Minerals and Athletic Performance: What You Need to Know

Minerals are important for muscular contraction, heart rhythm, oxygen delivery, antioxidant activity, bone health and immunological function. Many of these processes are enhanced during sports activity, thus adequate amounts of these minerals are required. However, certain minerals aid athletic performance more than others, and these minerals are often depleted faster during athletic performance:

Calcium

The skeletal system contains the vast bulk of calcium in the body. Other cells, such as muscle cells, especially heart muscle, contain the remainder. Calcium is important for cardiac energy control and is involved in oxidative phosphorylation, the process through which energy-rich ATP is generated in the heart and elsewhere.

Magnesium

This mineral is essential for anybody who exercises, but it is especially important for endurance athletes. Early weariness, nausea and muscle cramps can all be caused by low magnesium levels. Magnesium plays a role in a number of activities that affect muscle function, including oxygen uptake, electrolyte balance and energy production.

Potassium

This mineral helps in the conduction of nerve impulses, as well works with sodium and chloride to control fluid and electrolyte balance. After nerve conduction, potassium is required to re-polarize the cell membrane, resetting the nerve for its next activity.

Zinc

This mineral is necessary for a healthy immune system. Endurance activity lowers the body's zinc concentration, which could explain why distance runners are more susceptible to colds and upper respiratory tract infections after races or strenuous endurance exercises. Free radicals are produced as a result of athletic performance. Zinc is an intracellular antioxidant that aids in the elimination of free radicals, allowing athletes to recover faster from physical exertion.

Regular doses of magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium-based liquid mineral supplements for exercise can aid energy levels, as well as help you reclaim your body and regain your fitness. Smart A-Z Minerals include up to 95 daily servings in a single bottle, so you'll be good for months before replenishing.

Smart A-Z Minerals, a mineral supplement company, provides healthy and safe ionic minerals of the highest quality for health mateinece.