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Nutritional Supplements in Sports and Exercise pp 121–165Cite as

Essential and Nonessential Micronutrients and Sport

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Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to review the role of micronutrients in sport. Attention is given to the function of micronutrients in the body, examples of quality dietary sources of each micronutrient, and an assessment of the literature examining how the recommended daily intake of a micronutrient may or may not change with exercise. The discussion includes plausible biological mechanisms of proposed performance enhancement and current research to support or negate these claims. Water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, macrominerals, and select microminerals are discussed in detail, and a comprehensive table reviewing all micronutrients recommendations for the athlete is provided. Practical applications for professionals working with athletes conclude the chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Public Health at the University, Chapel Hill, Carolina

    Kristen M. Beavers MS, RD, CPT

  2. Department of Health, Nutrition, and Preventative Health at Baylor University, MS

    Monica C. Serra MS, RD, ATC

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  1. Kristen M. Beavers MS, RD, CPT
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  2. Monica C. Serra MS, RD, ATC
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Beavers, K.M., Serra, M.C. (2008). Essential and Nonessential Micronutrients and Sport. In: Nutritional Supplements in Sports and Exercise. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-231-1_5

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