Intensity and Duration determine the amount of fat used for energy during exercise. Protein as fuel for activity and for building muscles 390 Protein for muscles Exercise causes a post exercise increase in the rate of protein synthesis and breakdown. Dietary amino acids provide needed amino acids for synthesis. A weight lifter adds less than an ounce of muscle protein per day as a result of training. Minerals 397 Iron needed for oxygen transport.
Iron deficiency leads to reduced performance.
Excesses possibly harmful, do little extra good. Some athletes are seduced into taking substances in order to have that winning edge. Anabolic steroid hormones have been used for years to enhance athletic performance, but are banned in most competitions. These hormones are synthesized naturally in the body in small amounts. In the body, the synthetic steroids produce accelerated muscle bulking in response to physical activity in both men and women.