Sport Essentials - Vital substances for athletes

If you want to get the most out of your sport, you need to make sure you have the right nutrition. The best possible supply of nutrients is a decisive factor for strength, endurance and speed and at least as important as the training itself. Both amateur and competitive athletes have an increased need for certain vitamins and minerals as a result of their regular athletic activity. By covering this additional requirement, the optimal performance capability can be ensured and regeneration and resistance of the body can be promoted in the best possible way. Nutri-Plus Sport Essentials has been specially developed for these special needs. Some ingredients of Nutri-Plus Sport Essentials and their functions in detail:

L-Leucine

L-Leucine is a branched chain amino acid (BCAA) and is essential for the body. A large number of studies indicate that leucine is a trigger for muscle protein synthesis. Since leucine is mainly found in dairy products, vegans in particular should pay special attention to this amino acid.

Calcium + Vitamin D

Calcium is the main component of our bones. In the event of a deficiency (such as can occur when sweating heavily), the body draws on its own reserves – the bones. This can lead to bone fragility. Calcium contributes to normal energy metabolism. Vitamin D fosters the absorption of calcium from food and the incorporation of calcium into the bones. Especially in the cold season, the body's own production of vitamin D is often insufficient.

Magnesium

Without magnesium, the body would not be able to move a single muscle. It is essential for muscle contraction and an important component of our bones. Magnesium is excreted in sweat, which can lead to muscle cramps during physical activity. Athletes must therefore always make sure they have a sufficient supply of magnesium. Magnesium contributes to normal energy metabolism and muscle function.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an essential nutrient that the body cannot produce itself. It protects unsaturated fatty acids in cell walls from attacks by free radicals and thus prevents cell damage. It can also regenerate used vitamin C into its original form. During sporting activity, additional free radicals are produced. Athletes must therefore make sure that they take in additional vitamin E. Vitamin E contributes to the protection of the cells against oxidative stress.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a natural, essential antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and renders them harmless. It is particularly effective in combination with vitamin E. As more free radicals are produced due to the increased metabolic rate during sporting activity, athletes must ensure that they take in sufficient vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to normal immune system function during and after intense physical training.

Iron

Iron is responsible for the formation of the red blood cells and, as a component of hemoglobin, for the transport of oxygen. Since iron is lost through sweat, athletes have an increased need for this mineral. Iron contributes to the normal formation of erythrocytes and haemoglobin as well as to normal oxygen transport in the body.

Vitamin B complex

The group of B vitamins includes 8 vitamins that play a crucial role in most metabolic processes. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are needed for the formation of red blood cells, while pantothenic acid is involved in fat breakdown and protein synthesis. B vitamins contribute to a normal energy metabolism, vitamin B6 to a normal protein and glycogen metabolism.

Even in ancient Rome, a healthy body was associated with a healthy mind. Even today, the fact that physical exercise is essential for a healthy life is undisputed. Regular training is one of the most effective ways to increase health, well-being and performance. In addition to the cardiovascular system and the bones, the immune system and blood vessels are also strengthened. Exercise helps prevent diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure and is even said to increase mental performance. Furthermore, physical activity promotes stress reduction and is thus not only good for the body and mind, but also for the soul. In order to make the most of the positive effects of physical exercise, it is important not to train beyond one's limit and to allow the body sufficient recovery phases. Only if the body has enough time to regenerate and replenish its reserves can it perform at its best. Those who often push themselves to the limit in popular or competitive sports should therefore ensure an optimal supply of energy and nutrients in order to promote endurance, strength and the ability of their muscles to regenerate as well as muscle development. Due to the greater load and the associated higher energy supply, athletes should pay attention to a sufficient supply of vitamins B1, B2 and niacin, as these are involved in the energy metabolism of the body. During training, free radicals are formed in the metabolism, which is why an adequate supply of vitamins C and E should be ensured. These vitamins belong to the so-called antioxidants and can render free radicals harmless. In addition to vitamins, a sufficient supply of minerals and trace elements must also be taken into account, as these are increasingly excreted with sweat. For example, about 70 mg of calcium and 10 mg of magnesium as well as trace elements such as iron and zinc are lost per litre of sweat. These should be replenished after training to achieve an optimal training effect. The minerals calcium and magnesium, for example, are necessary for functioning muscle and nerve activity. Typical symptoms of a too low magnesium intake are muscle cramps. An insufficient supply of iron - as a component of red blood pigment responsible for oxygen transport - can also reduce physical performance. DGE Report (Sport and Nutrition): "The daily requirement of some vitamins, minerals and trace elements (beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, B-complex, magnesium, zinc, iron) is increased in athletes because, on the one hand, they are excreted more via sweat, urine and possibly faeces and, on the other hand, they are needed more due to the increased formation of free radicals."