that zinc supplements produced some strength
gains but the data are inconclusive. A few studies
have reported benefits of selenium supplements
on antioxidant defense. The purported benefit of
chromium supplementation on increasing lean
body mass has not been proven. Limited data on
chromium as a weight loss agent are equivocal.
The only published study of vanadyl sulphate
did not show a change in body composition. The
few studies on boron supplementation did not
find any beneficial effect on bone mass, muscle
mass, or testosterone levels. It is unlikely that
micronutrient supplements will enhance perfor-
mance or body composition in athletes who have
sufficient status. Athletes should maintain ade-
quate status by ingesting a variety of foods rich
in trace minerals.
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