[Effect of vitamins and iron on performance and recovery in humans and in sports anemia]

Abstract

In sports, vitamins along with minerals, particularly iron, and the energy nutrients such as carbohydrates, are considered especially important. Frequently single or multiple vitamins in combination with other active substances such as iron, other minerals or carbohydrates are administered. In sports, vitamins are added to carbohydrate mixtures or electrolytes enriched with vitamins are offered and frequently used. There is no doubt that due to the numerous effects of vitamins, a connection must exist between the vitamin status and athletic performance capability. It can be concluded that vitamin deficiencies have a negative effect on physical and mental performance. The release of energy can only attain its maximum output when the organism has the required substances at its disposal. Iron is of central importance among these active substances, since its presence in haemoglobin is essential for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, makes it possible for myoglobin to function as an oxygen supply depot and guarantees the functioning of internal respiration in the respiratory chain and various key enzymes. Muscle training increases not only the respiratory chain but also several other iron-rich enzymes. This makes even more astonishing the fact that a variety of recently published articles report on iron deficiency among athletes. The effect of the iron deficiency with anaemia (sports anaemia) is manifest in a reduction of aerobic capacity with an increase in lactate acidosis, greater fatigue, loss of appetite, muscular cramps and vasomotor disturbances.