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
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.