Synonyms
Definition
Micronutrients consist of vitamins and minerals and differ from macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein, and fat) in that the human body requires much smaller amounts. The use of macronutrients for all physiologic processes is facilitated by micronutrients [1]. Therefore, vitamins and minerals are necessary for many metabolic processes in the body, as well as to support growth and development. Vitamins and minerals are also key regulators in a number of reactions involved with exercise and physical activity, such as energy, carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, oxygen transfer and delivery, and tissue repair.
Description
The vitamin and mineral needs of individuals who are physically active have always been a topic of debate. Some reports state that those who exercise require more vitamins and minerals than their sedentary counterparts, but others do not report greater micronutrient requirements. The intensity, duration, and...
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Lukaski HC (2004) Vitamin and mineral status: effects on physical performance. Nutrition 20:632–644
Williams MH (2005) Dietary supplements and sports performance: minerals. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2:43–49
Burke L, Heeley P (1994) Dietary supplements and nutritional ergogenic aids in sport. In: Burke L, Deakin V (eds) Clinical sports nutrition. McGraw-Hill, Sydney, pp 227–284
Institute of Medicine (2006) The dietary reference intakes: the essential guide to nutrient requirements. National Academy Press, Washington, DC. http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11537
Braun H, Koehler K, Geyer H, Kleiner J, Mester J, Schanzer W (2009) Dietary supplement use among elite young German athletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 19(1):97–109
Maughan RJ, Depiesse F, Geyer H, International Association of Athletics Federations (2007) The use of dietary supplements by athletes. J Sports Sci 25(Suppl 1):S103–S113
Tsalis G, Nikolaidis MG, Mougios V (2004) Effects of iron intake through food or supplement on iron status and performance of healthy adolescent swimmers during a training season. Int J Sports Med 25(4):306–313
Bryant RJ, Ryder J, Martino P, Kim J, Craig BW (2003) Effects of vitamin E and C supplementation either alone or in combination on exercise-induced lipid peroxidation in trained cyclists. J Strength Cond Res 17(4):792–800
American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, American College of Sports Medicine, Rodriguez NR, Di Marco NM, Langley S (2009) American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Nutrition and athletic performance. Med Sci Sports Exerc 41(3):709–731
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this entry
Cite this entry
Volpe, S.L. (2012). Micronutrients. In: Mooren, F.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Exercise Medicine in Health and Disease. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29807-6_247
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29807-6_247
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-36065-0
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-29807-6
eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine