Mineral Food Supplement

Magnesium, calcium, chromium, iron: these are essential minerals to support sports performance . They play a crucial role in biological functioning and the regulation of metabolism. Between mineral salts and trace elements, all are vital for the optimal functioning of our body. These nutrients can be consumed through food or in the form of a mineral supplement to meet your specific needs.

Athletes: why take a mineral food supplement?

Taking a mineral supplement can be beneficial for several reasons. First, the intensity and frequency of training can significantly increase the body's need for multiminerals , which play essential roles in athletic performance and recovery . For example, calcium is vital for bone health and plays a crucial role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting. Chromium , on the other hand, is important for macronutrient metabolism and can help regulate blood sugar, which is crucial during long periods of exercise. Electrolytes , including potassium , are essential for maintaining hydration, regulating acid-base balance, and ensuring nerve transmission and muscle contraction. By taking a health supplement containing these minerals, athletes can prevent deficiencies related to excessive sweating and poor diet , while supporting optimal body function for increased performance and improved recovery.

What are the preferred minerals for athletes?

Magnesium

Magnesium is a vital mineral for athletes due to its multiple functions in energy metabolism and muscle health . It is essential for the synthesis of ATP (the main source of cellular energy) and plays a central role in muscle contraction and relaxation by regulating the activity of calcium ions. This role in energy management and muscle contraction can directly influence athletic performance and recovery. Taking a mineral supplement rich in magnesium is also crucial for the nervous system , as it acts as a modulator of neuronal transmission and helps prevent nervous hyperexcitability. This is particularly beneficial for athletes, as it can reduce the risk of cramps and improve neuromuscular coordination. In addition, it helps regulate oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage during periods of intense physical activity.

The iron

Iron is an essential mineral for athletes because of its key role in energy production and oxygen transport . Absorbed in the upper intestine and stored, iron is vital for the formation of haemoglobin and blood cells. In sports (where oxygen demand is high), iron allows haemoglobin to transport oxygen from the lungs to the muscles, facilitating performance and endurance . Involved in the Krebs cycle and the mitochondrial respiratory chain, iron helps convert nutrients into usable energy , which is essential during prolonged or intense physical activity. An iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, characterised by increased fatigue and slower recovery, hence the importance of supplementing with a mineral supplement, especially if you are a woman or if you do not eat meat.

Zinc

Zinc is a vital trace mineral for athletes, essential for growth, development, and maintenance of immune functions. Present in approximately 10% of the human proteome, zinc influences many metabolic pathways: protein synthesis or nucleic acids . Zinc is crucial for protein structure . It is a component of many transcription factors and enzymes, thus facilitating multiple essential biochemical reactions. For athletes, a mineral supplement rich in zinc is particularly important because it plays an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role, in order to neutralize free radicals produced during intense exercise. In addition, it supports immunity by maintaining the function of membrane barriers and modulating the inflammatory response, which is crucial for recovery and athletic performance.

Sources: http s://dumas.ccsd.cnrs.fr/dumas-03521928v1/f ile/El%20Kssimi%20Sarah.%20Th%C3%A8se%20d%27exercise%20de%20pharmacie%20%28UPJV%29.pdf