Micronutrient requirement in sports and exercise

Abstract

This narrative review provides a literature-based overview of micronutrient requirements in sports and exercise. It takes into account potentially increased requirements, increased losses and the effects of micronutrient deficiencies on health and performance. Athletes with a diet that meets their energy requirements are generally adequately supplied with micronutrients, but unfavourable diets combined with increased losses, for example through sweat, can lead to micronutrient deficiencies. Risks of deficiencies exist primarily in cases of restrictive energy intake, an unbalanced diet and high training loads. Depending on individual diet and training load, critical nutrients for athletes may include the minerals iron, sodium, zinc and calcium as well as vitamin D. The diagnosis of a micronutrient deficiency should be laboratory-based. A balanced diet that meets energy requirements with nutrient-preserving storage and preparation methods based on the food-first principle (i.e. food intake that meets requirements should be prioritised over dietary supplements) is the most important measure for ensuring that athletes receive the micronutrients they need.