The Athletic Benefits of Trace Minerals

People often ask us why we include Trace Minerals in Strate Superfuel. Here is the scientific support for helping athletes perform better when we add trace minerals to their routine.

Trace minerals are an important part of a healthy diet for athletes. They are needed for many different bodily functions, including energy production, nerve function, and muscle contraction. While trace minerals are found in many foods, they are often lost during processing, cooking, and storing. This is why athletes need to be aware of the foods they are eating and the best sources of trace minerals.

What are Trace Minerals?

Trace minerals are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts. They play a role in many different bodily functions, including energy production, nerve function, and muscle contraction. While trace minerals are found in many foods, they are often lost during processing, cooking, and storing. This is why athletes need to be aware of the foods they are eating and the best sources of trace minerals.

There are seven essential trace minerals: iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, and chromium. These minerals are found in soil and water and are absorbed by plants. When animals eat plants or plants absorb water with these minerals, they get trace minerals too. Most people get the trace minerals they need from eating a variety of foods. However, some people may not get enough of certain minerals if their diet is lacking or they have a condition that affects absorption. Athletes need to be especially aware of their intake of trace minerals because they tend to sweat more and lose electrolytes through urine more than sedentary people. This can lead to deficiency if not enough minerals are consumed through diet or supplements.

Benefits of Trace Minerals for Athletes

There are many benefits of trace mineral supplementation for athletes.

1. Trace minerals play a role in energy metabolism by helping to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the main energy source for cells.
2. Iron is especially important for athletes because it is needed for oxygen transport to muscles.
3. Iodine is necessary for thyroid hormone production, which helps regulate metabolism.
4. Zinc plays a role in immune function and protein synthesis.
5. Selenium is an antioxidant that can help protect against exercise-induced oxidative stress.
6. Copper aids in iron absorption and also has antioxidant properties.
7. Manganese is involved in energy metabolism and bone health.
8. Chromium helps insulin function properly and is necessary for carbohydrate and fat metabolism.

Athletes need to be aware of the importance of trace minerals in their diet. Trace minerals play a role in many different bodily functions, including energy production, nerve function, and muscle contraction. While most people get the trace minerals they need from eating a variety of foods, some people may not get enough of certain minerals if their diet is lacking or they have a condition that affects absorption.

The best way to ensure adequate intake of trace mineral is through consumption of a varied diet with plenty of whole foods or through supplementing with a quality trace mineral supplement.