NUTRITION AND SPORTS. MINERALS AND VITAMINS
Iron
Iron plays an important role in muscle activity. On the one hand, through haemoglobin, it plays a role in the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues (and transports CO2 in the opposite direction back to the lungs); on the other hand, through myoglobin, it is available for immediate use inside the muscle. In addition, iron is of vital importance in some metabolic energy producing pathways.
Una dieta equilibrada y adecuada en cantidad y calidad debe asegurar las necesidades recomendadas de vitaminas y minerales. Los requerimientos dietéticos aconsejados (RDA) no son diferentes en un deportista a las de una persona no deportista, salvo en el caso del hierro, calcio y vitaminas del grupo B.
Sin embargo, salvo en deportistas con dietas de restricción calórica (como gimnastas), no se ha demostrado un beneficio extra con el uso de megadosis de vitaminas.
Iron deficiency limits the capacity of the individual to improve resistance during exercise. However, iron deficiency anaemia is not more frequent in sportsmen that non-sporting individual.
Iron supplements should only be administered when minimal levels are not provided in the diet or when anaemia due to iron deficit is diagnosed.
Calcium
Calcium determines the solidness of the skeleton and confers resistance against trauma. The requirements are the same as those of non-sporting individuals; however, it is important to ensure adequate levels of calcium are provided in the diet in young sportsmen because their requirements are greater (growth period) or in gymnasts with reduced calorie diets to avoid loss of bone mass.
Group B Vitamins
Increased energy demands favour a superior requirement for B group vitamins. Nevertheless, B vitamins may be indicated in those gymnasts on reduced calorie diets or strict vegetarians.