What functions performed by Vitamin and Mineral for athletes?
Vitamins and minerals perform the same essential functions for athletes and non-athletes alike. However, owing to increased energy requirements and exercise-induced production of free radicals, higher amounts of B-vitamins and vitamins with anti-oxidant properties are required for athletes. Though there is no evidence that taking more vitamins than is obtained by eating a variety of foods will improve the performance.
Therefore, athletes with high energy expenditures (3000-6000 Kcal) may need mg/1000 Kcal of thiamine and riboflavin and 10-20 mg/1000 Kcal of niacin, Carbohydrates and protein 'foods are excellent sources of these vitamins. Intake of retinol may be placed at 1000-2000 micrograms per day. Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant, should be taken at the level of 10-20 IU. Vitamin C which is also essential for iron absorption, its intake should be 100-200 mg/day.