Exploring the Relationship between Micronutrients and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Scientific Systematic Review of the Literature in Sports Medicine

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review is twofold: (i) to examine the effects of micronutrient intake on athletic performance and (ii) to determine the specific micronutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that offer the most significant enhancements in terms of athletic performance, with the goal of providing guidance to athletes and coaches in optimizing their nutritional strategies. The study conducted a systematic search of electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) using keywords pertaining to micronutrients, athletic performance, and exercise. The search involved particular criteria of studies published in English between 1950 and 2023. The findings suggest that vitamins and minerals are crucial for an athlete’s health and physical performance, and no single micronutrient is more important than others. Micronutrients are necessary for optimal metabolic body’s functions such as energy production, muscle growth, and recovery, which are all important for sport performance. Meeting the daily intake requirement of micronutrients is essential for athletes, and while a balanced diet that includes healthy lean protein sources, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is generally sufficient, athletes who are unable to meet their micronutrient needs due to malabsorption or specific deficiencies may benefit from taking multivitamin supplements. However, athletes should only take micronutrient supplements with the consultation of a specialized physician or nutritionist and avoid taking them without confirming a deficiency.

Athletes’ nutritional demands: a narrative review of nutritional requirements

“…Consuming a snack or meal high in carbohydrates before exercise ensures optimal muscle glycogen reserves. On the other hand, low pre-exercise glycogen levels result in early fatigue, reduced training intensity, depleted muscle glycogen, impaired muscle contraction, glycogenolysis, and protein degradation ( 34 , 39 , 40 ).…”

“…However, those who struggle to meet their micronutrient needs may benefit from supplementation, guided by a sports nutritionist ( 91 , 92 ). It’s crucial to emphasize that while micronutrients are crucial for health, they do not exert ergogenic effects, and factors like low-energy diets, vegetarianism, illness, and injuries can contribute to micronutrient deficiencies ( 40 , 93 ).…”

Advancing athletic assessment by integrating conventional methods with cutting-edge biomedical technologies for comprehensive performance, wellness, and longevity insights

“…These interventions offer strategies for fueling, timing, and supplementation to support energy, recovery, and immune function. They also address essential element requirements, ensuring athletes receive vital micronutrients ( 82 ). Moreover, they consider individual variations in genetic profiles, metabolomics, nutrient utilization, and dietary preferences or restrictions ( 83 ).…”

A Review: Exploring Nutrition Approaches to Improve Mental Health Among Athletes: Focus on Depression and Disordered Eating

“…Additionally, a comprehensive systematic review of the literature in sports medicine emphasized the importance of micronutrients for athletes' health, physical performance, and mental well-being. It suggested that by ensuring adequate levels of micronutrients, athletes can give themselves a competitive edge and maximize the potential of their training (Ghazzawi et al, 2023). For example, higher intakes of vitamin B, particularly B7, have been linked to a lower incidence of depression in the general population (Mahdavifar et al, 2021).…”