HYDROSOLUBLE VITAMINS AND SPORT

Vitamins are organic substances needed for normal cell functioning in the human body, and therefore human health. People who train sports require an optimal psychophysical performance in order to achieve the best sports results. Athletes’ needs for vitamins may be higher than in general population, also they are taking vitamin supplements more often than other people. Thus, it is very important for them to be familiar with the vitamins’ roles and recommended intake levels. Hydrosoluble vitamins are easily absorbed into the blood and excreted in urine, and so very little stored in the body. They are less likely to cause toxic effects compared to the liposoluble vitamins, but their deficiency may occur much faster. The B group of vitamins takes part in many biochemical processes, and is especially important for athletes, as these vitamins help conversion of energy from food into the muscle energy. Vitamin C is known as an antioxidant that protects against oxygen free radicals. It has a number of other roles in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and minerals. Athletes are likely to intake sufficient quantities of vitamins through the nutrition. Vitamins’ supplements are usually unnecessary and without additional benefits on sports performance. However, if vitamins’ supplements are taken, attention must be paid for their tolerable upper intake levels. Acta Medica Medianae 2011;50(2):68-75.