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The Role of Mineral and Trace Element Supplementation in Exercise and Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review.
Heffernan, SM, Horner, K, De Vito, G, Conway, GE
Nutrients. 2019;11(3)
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Minerals and trace elements (MTEs) are involved in hundreds of biological processes, and according to available population data many recommended amounts of MTEs are not being met. While MTEs are known to impact processes that are related to athletic performance, there is no consensus as to the efficacy of MTE supplementation and improved performance. The aim of this systematic review was to critically analyse the available evidence on MTE supplementation for enhancing athletic performance. According to 128 studies that met the inclusion criteria, iron and magnesium were the only two that demonstrated benefits. Based on the existing literature, the authors conclude there is insufficient evidence to suggest guidelines of MTEs to enhance athletic performance, and encourage high quality studies to investigate this further.
Abstract
Minerals and trace elements (MTEs) are micronutrients involved in hundreds of biological processes. Deficiency in MTEs can negatively affect athletic performance. Approximately 50% of athletes have reported consuming some form of micronutrient supplement; however, there is limited data confirming their efficacy for improving performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review the role of MTEs in exercise and athletic performance. Six electronic databases and grey literature sources (MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL and SportDISCUS; Web of Science and clinicaltrials.gov) were searched, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: 17,433 articles were identified and 130 experiments from 128 studies were included. Retrieved articles included Iron (n = 29), Calcium (n = 11), Magnesium, (n = 22), Phosphate (n = 17), Zinc (n = 9), Sodium (n = 15), Boron (n = 4), Selenium (n = 5), Chromium (n = 12) and multi-mineral articles (n = 5). No relevant articles were identified for Copper, Manganese, Iodine, Nickel, Fluoride or Cobalt. Only Iron and Magnesium included articles of sufficient quality to be assigned as 'strong'. Currently, there is little evidence to support the use of MTE supplementation to improve physiological markers of athletic performance, with the possible exception of Iron (in particular, biological situations) and Magnesium as these currently have the strongest quality evidence. Regardless, some MTEs may possess the potential to improve athletic performance, but more high quality research is required before support for these MTEs can be given. PROSPERO preregistered (CRD42018090502).
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Micronutrient Status of Recreational Runners with Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Dietary Patterns.
Nebl, J, Schuchardt, JP, Ströhle, A, Wasserfurth, P, Haufe, S, Eigendorf, J, Tegtbur, U, Hahn, A
Nutrients. 2019;11(5)
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There is current debate as to whether plant-based nutrition can provide all the required nutrients in adequate amounts for athletes. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the micronutrient status among omnivore, vegetarian and vegan recreational runners. In this study, fasting blood levels of vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc were assessed in 27 omnivores, 26 vegetarians and 28 vegans. These results showed there were no significant differences between vegan and vegetarian diets compared with the omnivore diet. Based on these results, the authors conclude a well-planned vegetarian and vegan diet, including supplementation, can meet the recreational runner’s requirements of important micronutrients. The authors suggest further research be done on a larger sample size and on athletes of differing levels of performance intensity.
Abstract
Vegetarian diets have gained popularity in sports. However, few data exist on the status of micronutrients and related biomarkers for vegetarian and vegan athletes. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare the micronutrient status of omnivorous (OMN, n = 27), lacto-ovo-vegetarian (LOV, n = 26), and vegan (VEG, n = 28) recreational runners. Biomarkers of vitamin B12, folate, vitamin D, and iron were assessed. Additionally, serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were examined. Lifestyle factors and supplement intake were recorded via questionnaires. About 80% of each group showed vitamin B12 adequacy with higher levels in supplement users. Mean red blood cell folate exceeded the reference range (>340 nmol/L) in all three groups (OMN: 2213 ± 444, LOV: 2236 ± 596, and VEG: 2354 ± 639 nmol/L; not significant, n.s.). Furthermore, vitamin D levels were comparable (OMN: 90.6 ± 32.1, LOV: 76.8 ± 33.7, and VEG: 86.2 ± 39.5 nmol/L; n.s.), and we found low prevalence (<20%) of vitamin D inadequacy in all three groups. Less than 30% of each group had depleted iron stores, however, iron deficiency anemia was not found in any subject. Our findings suggest that a well-planned, health-conscious lacto-ovo-vegetarian and vegan diet, including supplements, can meet the athlete's requirements of vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron.