Iron deficiency seems to be a core mineral deficiency in overtraining. Khaled S, Brun JF, Wagner A, Mercier J, Bringer J, Prefaut C Service d'Exploration Physiologique des Hormones et des Metabolismes, CHRU de Montpellier, France. These data suggest that mild iron deficiency as commonly seen in athletes, before anemia occurs, is associated with an increase in plasma viscosity and RBC aggregation, together with an increased subjective feeling of exercise overload. Clarkson PM Department of Exercise Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003. This paper examines whether mineral supplements are necessary for athletes, and whether these supplements will enhance performance.
Calcium supplements are important for the health of bones.
Athletes tend to have enhanced calcium status as assessed by bone mineral density, with the notable exception of female amenorrhoeic athletes. Magnesium status is adequate for most athletes, and there is no evidence that magnesium supplements can enhance performance. Phosphorus status is adequate for athletes. Phosphorus supplementation over an extended period of time can result in lowered blood calcium, however, some studies have shown that acute 'phosphate loading' will enhance performance. Athletes may have a zinc deficiency induced by poor diet and loss of zinc in sweat and urine.