Minerals Calcium, Phosphorous and Magnesium as important ingredients for sports performance

Abstract

Minerals calcium, phosphorous and magnesium play key roles in many biological processes. Calcium involves in many functions of our body which includes muscle contraction, energy metabolism, and conduction of nerve impulse. Calcium released from endoplasmic reticulum is essential for mitochondrial activity which involves in energy generation that in turn helps for sports performance. Phosphorous is essential for bone and teeth formation, energy metabolism (Adenosine Triphosphate) and a building block of deoxyribonucleic acid which helps in cell metabolism and also used for recovery process of tissue turn over in athletes. Magnesium regulates nerve and muscle function, it acts as a cofactor for many enzymes which involves in several biochemical reactions of the body like regulation of hormones, nervous system, protein production. Marginal deficiency states of these minerals also have a negative impact with exercise performance. Regular exercise training in athletes may result in increase in demand of these minerals as there may be increase in degradation rates or increase in losses from the body. Adequate intake of these micronutrients may facilitate in enhancing the athletic performance.