Extreme physical performance requires, in addition to extensive training, a diet that provides all the necessary nutrients and vital substances (macro- and micronutrients) in quantities appropriate to requirements. Physical stress increases the energy and building metabolism and thus the vital substance turnover. The consequences of a deficiency in essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements include increased susceptibility to infections, hormonal imbalances, acute sports injuries and chronic overload with the development of pathologies in the musculoskeletal system. There is also a risk that the metabolism will be overstressed and that its regulation will be disturbed.
An adequate supply of important vital substances (micronutrients) such as B vitamins, vitamin C, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and selenium, can considerably shorten the regeneration time of acute symptoms – nausea, indigestion, vomiting, cramps, circulatory collapse – over days to several weeks. If the health is severely affected by a severe overload – marathon running – the preventive intake of vital substances (micronutrients) can also accelerate the healing or regeneration process in this case.
Competitive sports – oxidative stress and antioxidants
If training in the aerobic range, there is an increased formation of free oxygen radicals – “oxidative stress“. They multiply in the body in the form of chain reactions, snatching an electron from the attacked molecule and turning it into a free radical itself. In high numbers they can damage DNA, endogenous proteins, fats and amino acids. Furthermore, oxygen free radicals also attack cell membranes – lipid peroxidation – which are rich in unsaturated fatty acids. Eventually, this leads to changes in fatty acids, cellular and tissue dysfunction.
Free radicals impair immune function, increase susceptibility to infections and reduce natural antioxidant levels.
Intense sport thus increases the need for antioxidants, such as vitamins E, C, A, beta-carotene, B vitamins, coenzyme Q10, selenium, zinc, manganese and copper. A deficiency of antioxidants increases susceptibility to stress and thus the risk of disease.
Note on Coenzyme Q10 According to current knowledge, it is not clear how great the daily requirement of coenzyme Q10 really is. Likewise, it is unclear how high the coenzyme Q10 self-production and its contribution to a need-based supply is. There is evidence that the requirement is increased during oxidative stress. This could be relevant in cases of physical strain or psychological stress. In old age, coenzyme Q10 concentrations set in that are up to 50% lower than in middle age. One reason for the low coenzyme Q10 concentration could be increased consumption in old age – scientific proof of this is still pending.
Since the immune system is considerably weakened as a result of the increased oxygen load, the worn-out athlete is particularly at risk in a soaked and sweaty state. Under such circumstances, the body is usually hypothermic. An insufficient immune defense (immunodeficiency) further weakens the body, increases the risk of infection, and prolongs the recovery time.
