{"id":3034,"date":"2016-10-19T14:53:57","date_gmt":"2016-10-19T14:53:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sbrsport.co.za\/?p=3034"},"modified":"2016-10-20T10:27:15","modified_gmt":"2016-10-20T10:27:15","slug":"nutrition-micro-nutrient-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sbrsport.co.za\/?p=3034","title":{"rendered":"Nutrition – Micro Nutrient Requirements."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"vitamins<\/a><\/p>\n

There is a common thought among athletes that taking vitamin and mineral supplements, will give more energy.\u00a0 I find this especially true for Vitamin B and frequently hear athletes talking about going for weekly injections (you now require a prescription for Vitamin B injections as they were being misused by athletes).\u00a0 Don\u2019t be fooled by marketing and your peers! \u00a0\u00a0Vitamins and minerals have specific jobs in the body and only small amounts are needed for health.\u00a0 If however, you are deficient in a micronutrient, supplementation is necessary to reverse any pre-existing deficiencies, and then yes, you will feel the difference in your performance.<\/p>\n

The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), International Olympic Committee (IOC) and American College of Sports Nutrition (ACSN) all recommend that if an athlete is following a healthy balanced diet and is including all food groups, there is no need for additional supplementation.<\/p>\n

If however, the athlete is vegetarian, restricts energy intake, relies on extreme weight loss practices, or eliminates whole food groups from the diet, they may benefit from micronutrient supplementation.\u00a0 If you are concerned you are not getting enough micronutrients or are frequently ill, taking a general broad vitamin and mineral supplement can be beneficial.\u00a0 Single micronutrient supplements are only appropriate for correction of clinical deficiency i.e. Iron in anaemic athletes.\u00a0 It is of high importance to speak to your doctor about supplementation with vitamins and minerals as taking too much can become toxic and can also cause gastro intestinal upset.<\/p>\n

\"balanced-meal\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By eating a well-balanced diet you will meet your micronutrient requirements:<\/p>\n