ABSTRACT
Trace minerals are defined as those minerals essential for life found in the body in quantities less than 5 g. Although there is some disagreement about the need for some of the trace minerals, the following minerals are considered to be essential: iron, iodine, zinc, copper, chromium, selenium, manganese, cobalt, silicon, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, and arsenic. Iron is the trace mineral found in the body in greatest amounts. There is ample evidence that iron deficiency anemia has a significant negative effect on physical work capacity and maximal oxygen uptake. Use of iron supplements with dosages of 75 mg or more indiscriminantly by athletes is not advised because of the possibility of iron toxicity. Zinc is a part of many enzymes including lactate dehydrogenase, carbonic anhydrase, alkaline phosphatase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and superoxide dismutase. Zinc supplements are used by some athletes to improve their zinc status.
