Short-term zinc supplementation in middle-aged runners
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/nb.v23i4.3038Keywords:
Nutrition in sport; zinc; testosterone; track and field.Abstract
Introduction: Middle-aged runners often use supplements to enhance performance and ensure health. In this context, zinc supplementation is associated with increased testosterone levels, although the literature on the subject presents inconclusive results. Objective: To investigate the short-term effect of zinc supplementation on free testosterone levels and anthropometric parameters in middle-aged male runners. Methods: Ten long-distance runners were selected. The protocol was divided into three stages: initial assessment, supplementation, and final assessment. Evaluations included dietary recall, anthropometric measurements, maximal oxygen consumption, and a saliva sample to measure free testosterone concentration. All runners ingested a capsule containing 50 mg/day of chelated zinc (once daily for 15 days). Results: The sample consisted of middle-aged runners (55.5 ± 4.8 years) with good cardiorespiratory fitness (46.9 ± 4.8 ml.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹) and body mass index (BMI) values indicative of overweight (25.6 ± 2.1 kg/m²). Testosterone levels were adequate (74.2 ± 46.5 pg/ml); however, six runners had values below the diagnostic threshold (70 pg/ml). Conclusion: Our study did not observe any difference in free testosterone concentrations after 15 days of zinc supplementation. We noted a caloric intake lower than energy expenditure, low consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, iron, and potassium, along with higher intake of sodium and cholesterol.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Marcos Cibelli Castiel , Douglas Luis da Silva Nitzke , Ethiane Vieira Verdeco , Bruno Costa Teixeira , André Pontes-Silva , Gustavo dos Santos Ribeiro , André Luiz Lopes , Randhall Bruce Kreismann Carteri (Autor)
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