Essentials of Nutrition for Sports

Vitamin & Mineral Suppl

ement Summary Tables

Table 26

and

Table 27

, below, summarize the functions,

increased requirements, and ergogenic and ergolytic effects of vitamins and minerals. Function

The accepted scientific actions of the nutrient are listed in this

column. Increased Needs in Athletes

Some nutrient needs are known to increase with athletic activity.

Supplements are not generally requi

red because of increased needs.

Most increased needs are met by increased food consumption.

If well-established increased needs are known, they will be listed

in this column. Ergogenic Benefit?

There are two issues:

1.^

Is a deficiency of the nutrient associated with impaired

performance?

2.^

Will extra, or supplemental, nutrient enhance performance? It is mostly the latter that we are concerned with in these

columns. For example, iron defici

ency may worsen performance. If

not deficient, is iron supplementation ergogenic?

A threshold value may exist for optimal performance. It may be

that a certain dose prevents

a deficiency state but that

supplementation only up to a certain level improves performance. Ergogenic Mechanism

Whether or not actual benefit has been shown, claims of how the

nutrient may improve performance are listed in this column.

Evidence of Benefit

Studies may have been performed to assess performance loss

that accompanies vitamin or mineral deficiency, or performance improvement with supplements. Studies may or may not have been performed on athletes.

Performance on a bicycle is different from performance in other

sports. The beneficial effects, if any, in one sport, may not be applicable to bicycling. Studies have usually been performed on college-aged men and women, so

findings are not necessarily

applicable to master or junior athletes.

The results of studies are noted in this column. If a study shows a

positive effect, it is noted as

Yes

. If a study shows no effect, it is

noted as

No

.

Evidence of Harm

Some nutrients have toxic side effects, and some may worsen

performance. Where such information is available, it is summarized in the table.

Nutrition for Sports, Essentials of 129