Body's nutrient need increases with the intensity of exercise or sport that the athlete takes up. In order to keep your performance optimum, make sure that you are fulfilling your nutrient needs as outlined by the following account:
Calcium's recommended dietary intake ranges from 1,000 mg to 1,500 mg daily, and it forms an integral part of the overall nutrient plan. However, in a survey conducted recently, fewer than half of the 10,000 male and female athletes questioned were found to be consuming 1,000 mg of calcium daily. Women who are not consuming adequate calcium are facing a grave threat of Osteoporosis. Research indicates that even male athletes can be affected by osteoporosis due to testosterone deficits, in cases of calcium deficiency.
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Iron's importance as a nutrient has to be especially stressed. Low iron levels can be a persistent problem for athletes training for more than six hours per week. In severe cases, they may even experience anemia. Other side effects of low iron stores include an increase in muscle fatigue and a significant reduction in V02max. Iron stores are used up more readily by athletes than by sedentary persons. Nutritional experts recommend 20-25 mg of iron per day for endurance athletes. However, levels higher than 20-25 mg are shown not to be beneficial, and even toxic.
Drop in magnesium can lead to early fatigue, nausea, and muscle cramps. Magnesium salts are constantly lost through sweat and urine. Thus, arises the need for magnesium supplementation for creating a balance overall among all nutrients. Recommended daily intake is 500 to 800 mg for athletes.
Potassium is lost rapidly during exercise at an approximate rate of 200 mg per kilogram of weight lost during exercise. Nutrient supplementation immediately after exercise (less than 2 hours) is absolutely essential, to be administered at a rate of 435 mg for each hour of exercise, but limiting to 5 grams.
Selenium, a nutrient required only in small amounts, is shown to benefit athletes' immune response and help in the repair of cellular damage. 200 mg per day supplementation is considered safe and is crucial for athletes.
Sodium helps in water retention, and prevents dehydration. It also plays a role in ATP production. For extraneous exercises lasting longer than 5 hours, especially in hot weather, a dangerously low sodium level is an imminent threat. Athletes, when involved in such activities, should aim for a nutrient intake of 100 to 300 mg each hour. Most energy drinks can be used for this purpose. For events that are even longer, Electrolyte caps are a better source.
Zinc helps in tissue repair that occurs after exercise. Athletes have a lower serum zinc level as compared to the rest of the population. A fall in zinc levels leads to fatigue and decrease in endurance. Athletes should go for a nutrient intake of 30-60 mg of zinc daily.
Vitamin E is shown to decrease cellular damage in athletes. The daily requirements of vitamin E cannot be obtained through diet alone. A total intake of 400-1200 I.U. should be aimed for.
Studies prove protein needs rise during strenuous exercise. Endurance athletes basically use protein for the maintenance of oxidative metabolism, and for tissue repair. Protein intake that is inadequate, leads to a reduced recovery from exercise, and can hamper wound healing. It is generally recommended that endurance athletes should eat 1.2 to 1.4 g of protein per kg of body weight body. This means that a 55 lb. person should eat about 85-100 grams per day of protein.
Glutamine is an amino acid that helps in the fuelling process of the immune system. Prolonged exercise gradually lowers glutamine levels, which reduces the effectiveness of body's immune system. Glutamine supplementation, after exercise is linked to a lowered risk of infection in athletes. Experts recommend 2.5 grams of glutamine per day.
Nutrient Guide for Endurance Athletes
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