ABSTRACT
In order to understand how best to meet dietary needs for vitamins and minerals in any type of activity, it is first important to determine whether the activity is primarily nonaerobic, anaerobic, aerobic, or combinations thereof. Vitamins are organic compounds which are classified as micronutrients because they are needed in very small amounts in comparison to the macro-nutrients carbohydrate, protein, fat, and water. Vitamin and mineral supplements are most often used as ergogenic aids, substances which are thought to enhance performance. Fat-soluble vitamins are so named because their absorption and transport is associated with lipids. Vitamin and mineral supplements are generally safe unless large doses are consumed, and caution should be used in self-administered megadose therapy where the supplement achieves pharmacological status. Mineral deficiencies and marginal intakes are more common than vitamin deficiencies. Bone mineral density describes the amount of bone mineral found in a specific measured bone area.
