But how much additional vitamins and minerals do athletes need, and which ones?

Routine exercise may also speed up the turnover and loss of vitamins and minerals from the body. In addition, exercise stresses the metabolic pathways where vitamins and minerals are utilized and may also result in biochemical adaptations that increase micronutrient needs. Since athletes have high rates of energy metabolism and need their bodies to function at intense levels, they tend to have higher micronutrient needs than non-athletes. They also help with the synthesis and repair of new muscle tissue and protect against oxidative stress.

Other important roles of micronutrients include aiding in the production of oxygen-carrying proteins, maintenance of bone health, proper immune system function, and fluid balance. For example, many B vitamins aid in energy being released from carbohydrates.

However, they are crucial for turning food into energy through metabolic pathways. Because they do not contain calories, micronutrients cannot boost energy stores. Student-athletes are often confused about how vitamins and minerals work, thinking they provide energy. It starts with understanding how micronutrients assist the body and continues with knowing the specifics of the key ones. And we continually educate Texas Longhorn student-athletes on all aspects of dietary health.īut even if you don’t have access to the same resources - or are a one-person team for your school’s sports medicine needs - there is much you can do to help your student-athletes meet their nutrient needs. When needed, they are also provided nutrition intervention. Our student-athletes are screened for iron and vitamin D blood levels and offered nutritional consultations when they first arrive on campus. Here at the University of Texas, I am fortunate to collaborate with a dynamic group of athletic trainers, strength coaches, and sports medicine physicians to ensure our athletes are not deficient in their nutritional intake. What foods pack the most punch for vitamins and minerals? Should I take a supplement? It may be the most-asked question sports dietitians get from athletes: How do I know if I’m getting enough vitamins and minerals for optimal performance? Right behind it come two more questions. For athletes, striving to reach the understanding how vitamins work and which ones are most important can make or break a season.

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