Micronutrient therapy
| Supports the supply of energy |
| Adult protein requirements depend on the metabolic processes in the body. In sports, proteins and amino acids play a central role in muscle formation and regeneration after high stress. Both processes depend on the quantity and quality of the daily intake dietary protein. Under extreme long-term stress, coupled with depletion of glycogen stores, up to 10% of the body´s protein, including structural and functional proteins, are used for energy production. Protein intake < 1.0 g/kg of body weight is associated with a negative nitrogen balance in athletes. L-carnitine, a vitamin-like compound, is mainly used in the skeletal muscles and the heart muscle. There it is involved in the oxidative degradation of long-chain fatty acids and the resulting release of energy. L-carnitine functions as a transport molecule that channels the activated fatty acids into the mitochondria, where β oxidation takes place. L-carnitine is therefore a decisive factor for energy supply and physical performance. This also explains the increased demand among competitive athletes, which is difficult to meet with diet alone. Creatine plays a central role in the metabolism of energy in cells with high and fluctuating energy requirements, such as the CNS, heart and skeletal muscles and sperm. Creatine acts as a kind of cellular “energy buffer“, which can quickly regenerate ATP under stress. An increase in muscular creatine phosphate stores (“creatine loading“) delays ATP consumption during repeated short-term stress peaks. Muscular regeneration phases are shortened by increased creatine phosphate and ATP resynthesis. An increase in performance is also achieved in the anaerobic-alactacid area. The primary increase of muscular creatine is achieved after one week of supplementation, but can be further increased through suitable training or by insulin stimulus. As confirmed by EFSA, the increased creatine level leads to improved muscular performance, which allows training with more strength and at a higher intensity. Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinol) is involved in ATP synthesis and therefore is fundamental to the generation of energy in cells. Suboptimal processes in the citrate cycle of the mitochondria lead to an insufficient supply of biochemical forms of energy. Coenzyme Q10 also protects biological membranes from oxidative damage and helps strengthen the immune system. |
| Compensates for micronutrient deficits |
| Magnesium is very importance for normal function of muscle metabolism, since neuromuscular coordination and all enzyme reactions in the muscle require the presence of a sufficient concentration of magnesium ions. An increased magnesium requirement is generated by the higher metabolic activity of athletes, which arise through growth and repair processes as an adaptation reaction of the body to the increased strain. In addition, between 0.2 and 0.75 mmol/l of magnesium are lost daily through sweat. A lack of magnesium in athletes is particularly evident in the form of muscle cramps and hardening as well as accelerated muscular fatigue. Other magnesium deficiency symptoms may include hyperexcitability, constipation, insomnia, concentration disorders or nervous disorders. Athletes show increased erythrocyte and hemoglobin levels after magnesium supplementation, which may positively influence performance. A deficient intake of potassium also leads to exhaustion, muscular weakness and cramps. Since potassium is stored in the muscle together with glycogen, it is particularly needed for replenishing the glycogen stores during the regeneration phase. During physical exertion, a potassium shift from intra- to extracellular occurs through glycogen degradation, and the potassium level in the blood rises. Therefore, a high potassium intake should be avoided during stress phases. To compensate for sweat loss, endurance athletes are recommended to take 150 to 300 mg potassium per litre of sports drink while exercising. |
| Buffers oxidative Stress |
| Oxidative stress occurs when more free radicals are produced than can be adequately neutralized by the antioxidative systems. In competitive sports an increase in free radicals can be observed due to stress. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that free radicals and oxidative stress are an important factor in the development of degenerative diseases. To prevent serious damage and to avoid performance limitations, supplementation with a balanced mixture of various antioxidants is recommended. Besides essential micronutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium other plant-based antioxidants include carotenoids (beta-carotin), polyphenols and anthocyanins (grape seed -extract, pine bark extract pycnogenol). |
| Promotes regeneration |
| The semi-essential amino acid L-glutamine is the most important amino acid in the body, especially in muscle and serum. Training activity - include endurance, strength and competitive sports - influences the amino acid composition in the plasma. After intensive training, glutamine levels are reduced by up to 30%. To restore the glutamine concentration in the blood, the glutamine contained in the muscle is released first. This can lead to a reduction in muscle protein and thus to a reduction in muscle mass. A adequate glutamine supply of gluatmine at the right time, increases muscle growth even under physical strain, prevents the loss of muscle mass and delays muscle fatigue. Endurance sports and short-term, high intensity activity lead to an increase in ammonia levels in the plasma, resulting in toxic effects on the central nervous system. A regular and high intake of L-glutamine could prevent hyperammonemia in football players and improve the excretion of toxic metabolites. |
| Strengthens the immune system |
| Competitive athletes often complain of lower resistance to upper respiratory tract infections. A high percentage of these illnesses occur when the training threshold is exceeded. The unfavorable influence on immune function is probably due to a decrease in the glutamine level in the plasma during and after training. Since glutamine serves as the primary energy source for immunocompetent cells, it is assumed that the reduced glutamine status is partly responsible for the increased susceptibility of endurance athletes to infections. To prevent the increased susceptibility to infection in endurance athletes, immunoglobulin-rich (colostrum) can be used. Colostrum supplementation prevents a decrease in serum IgG2 concentration in the post-training phase and improves athletes' IgA saliva levels, reducing the risk of upper respiratory tract disease in studies. There is also increasing data that colostrum has a performance-enhancing effects in endurance sports and that strength athletes can benefit from colostrum intake. |
| Increases stress resistance |
| Rhodiola rosea has positive effects on the nervous system, ability to concentrate and stress resistance. In stressful situations, an improved cognitive function and a reduction in mental exhaustion can be demonstrated. An intake of 200 mg extract immediately improved stamina, response times and attention span in healthy volunteers. In animal experiments, a significant increase of 25% in endurance performance correlates with an increase in the synthesis or resynthesis of high-energy ATP compounds in the mitochondria. As a result, the energy processes are regenerated more quickly during and after intensive muscular exertion, which leads to an improvement in physical performance. In addition, Rhodiola rosea appears to protect muscle tissue during exercise through an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, Rhodiola rosea has been shown in studies to lower blood creatine kinase levels, significantly reduce plasma creatine kinase levels and blood lactate levels, and improve skeletal muscle damage. The intake of Rhodiola rosea extract was also able to positively influence the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and training effect, as well as increase endurance performance by lowering RPE. In addition, regular intake of Rhodiola Rosea was able to lower lactate levels as well as parameters showing damage to muscles after strenuous exercise. |