The Role of Mineral and Trace Element Supplementation in Exercise and Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Minerals and trace elements (MTEs) are micronutrients involved in hundreds of biological processes. Deficiency in MTEs can negatively affect athletic performance. Approximately 50% of athletes have reported consuming some form of micronutrient supplement; however, there is limited data confirming their efficacy for improving performance. The aim of this study was to systematically review the role of MTEs in exercise and athletic performance. Six electronic databases and grey literature sources (MEDLINE; EMBASE; CINAHL and SportDISCUS; Web of Science and clinicaltrials.gov) were searched, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results: 17,433 articles were identified and 130 experiments from 128 studies were included. Retrieved articles included Iron (n = 29), Calcium (n = 11), Magnesium, (n = 22), Phosphate (n = 17), Zinc (n = 9), Sodium (n = 15), Boron (n = 4), Selenium (n = 5), Chromium (n = 12) and multi-mineral articles (n = 5). No relevant articles were identified for Copper, Manganese, Iodine, Nickel, Fluoride or Cobalt. Only Iron and Magnesium included articles of sufficient quality to be assigned as ‘strong’. Currently, there is little evidence to support the use of MTE supplementation to improve physiological markers of athletic performance, with the possible exception of Iron (in particular, biological situations) and Magnesium as these currently have the strongest quality evidence. Regardless, some MTEs may possess the potential to improve athletic performance, but more high quality research is required before support for these MTEs can be given. PROSPERO preregistered (CRD42018090502).

Influence of physical training on erythrocyte concentrations of iron, phosphorus and magnesium

“…The concentration of mineral elements is usually under strict homeostatic control; however, physical activity alters this mechanism and brings changes in their serum levels [1][2][3][4]. Some studies report on the mineral concentrations in plasma, serum and urine.…”

All You Can Feed: Some Comments on Production of Mouse Diets Used in Biomedical Research with Special Emphasis on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Research

“…Minerals, also known as macrominerals or micronutrients, are inorganic elements which generally occur in large quantities, while trace elements or microminerals normally are present only in small amounts in organisms. Calcium, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and chloride are the elements playing vital roles in the body [82]. They regulate the proper composition and function of the body fluids, tissue, bone, teeth, muscles and nerves.…”

“…Essential trace elements required in smaller amounts by animals and plants are iron, zinc, copper, nickel, molybdenum, manganese, selenium, iodine, and others. These elements are involved in vital enzymatic reactions by acting as cofactors or by stabilizing cellular structures [82]. Based on their involvement in hundreds of biological processes, inadequate mineral and trace element intake can result in severe health conditions that can affect nearly all organs and tissues.…”

Arts and Science of Athletic Performance- Short Communication

“…Omega 3 fatty acids play a fundamental role in reducing physiological inflammation through resolvins, and its utility for muscle damage and recovery in sports has been widely demonstrated [38]. Approximately 50% of athletes have reported consuming some form of micronutrient supplement; however, there is limited data confirming their efficacy for improving performance [39]. Mohiuddin, 2019 reported myocardial infarction, myocardial hypertrophy, hypertension, mood disorders, aggressive behavior, dependence syndrome, or cognitive effects with anabolic steroids.…”

“…Both Maciejewska-Skrendo and Cao et.al, 2019 suggested that Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) gene is associated with dynamic balance performance of human being [50,51]. Iron and Magnesium supplementation have the best quality evidence for improvements to markers and outcomes related to exercise capacity and athletic performance [39], [52,53]. The use of creatine supplementation is still controversial.…”