Active physical exercises are associated with high body mineral demand that can cause mineral disbalances with diverse negative health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of sport-related factors on mineral composition in young athletes. Saliva and hair samples were chosen for the analysis as reflecting immediate and more permanent mineral status, respectively.The samples were analysed by spectral methods with inductively coupled plasma for eight essential minerals: calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn). The results from athletes were compared to ones from the control group of adolescent non-athletes. Different minerals demonstrated sampling specific distribution. Sport type specificity of mineral content was found. These findings can help in the process of mineral status data standardization and in training process to correct the sport-associated mineral disbalances.

Numerous studies conducted in recent decades have generated vast amounts of knowledge on sport-related concussions. This review analyzes international data on pediatric and adolescent sport-related concussions. Drawing on the most recent research into the pathophysiology of brain concussions, the authors identify and discuss “pain points” associated with SRC, i.e. unsolved problems of diagnostic criteria, the use of modern neuroimaging modalities and promising biomarkers. Special attention is paid to the physiology of children and adolescents and predisposing factors important for developing adequate diagnostic and management strategies. The authors formulate problems that need to be solved in order to improve care for young athletes with brain concussions.