Minerals, trace elements and related biological variables in athletes and during physical activity

Citation
M. Speich et al., Minerals, trace elements and related biological variables in athletes and during physical activity, CLIN CHIM A, 312(1-2), 2001, pp. 1-11
Citations number
62
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Review
Categorie Soggetti
Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
Journal title
CLINICA CHIMICA ACTA
ISSN journal
0009-8981 → ACNP
Volume
312
Issue
1-2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1 - 11
Database
ISI
SICI code
0009-8981(200110)312:1-2<1:MTEARB>2.0.ZU;2-2
Abstract
This review concerns various minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesiu m, phosphorus), trace elements (zinc, manganese, selenium, copper, iron, co balt, iodine, chromium, fluorine, lead, cadmium) and other biological varia bles (nitric oxide, L-carnitine, glutamine, serum transferrin receptor, bio pyrrins) in relation to hemorheologic effects, stress, immune response and infections during physical and sports activities. In athletes, macroelement s in the ionized form contribute to heart and muscle contractions, oxidativ e phosphorylation and the synthesis and activation of enzymatic systems. Zi nc (Zn) protects against the effects of increased free reactive oxygen spec ies such as copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) (Cu-Zn superoxide dismutases Mn superoxide dismutase). Selenium in glutathione peroxidase protects the card iovascular system and the muscles, and help,, combat allergic and inflammat ory diseases. Copper and iron are involved in many aspects of energy metabo lism and are important components in the synthesis of hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochromes. Fluorine and Cu protect the ligaments and tendons. Physic al activity appears to be beneficial to urban residents who are exposed to metal pollution (lead, cadmium). The data cited in this review are often co ntradictory and incomplete. It is still unclear in many cases how minerals are involved in physiological changes, and much work remains. (C) 2001 Else vier Science B.V. All rights reserved.