MULTIVITAMINS FOR ATHLETES
A Sports Dietitians Take on Multivitamins
As a Sports Dietitian athletes often ask, “do I need to take a multi?”, or “whats the best multivitamin for athletes?”. The short answer – yes! In this article we’ll explore the reasons why athletes should incorporate a multivitamin to optimize their health and performance.
I think a common misconception athletes face is that because they exercise, they can eat whatever they like, whenever they like! But not all athletes are created equal, and neither are their diets!
Athletes have higher nutritional demands. They exercise more and expend more calories, so eating enough (and enough of the good stuff) to meet the energy demands of their training should be their number one priority. It helps maintain weight, energy levels, supports performance, and recovery!
In this article we’ll dig in to learn to answer the question, why do athletes need multivitamins?
WHY ATHLETES NEED MULTIVITAMINS
Nutrient Gaps:
They aren’t meeting their nutritional need through diet alone. Eating “anything you want”, may not include all the good stuff – like complex carbs, fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Sure, you get some of them here and there, but you’re not perfect – no one is (including ME). Athletes have hectic schedules, with multiple practices daily, while trying to maintain a school, work, and social life. They’re not always sitting down for a solid meal or balanced plate.
Hydration (Dehydration):
Athletes sweat more. Losing fluids and electrolytes during a workout require replacement – of both! Minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium help to maintain fluid balance and aid in muscle contraction. When depleted, they can impact performance by increasing heart rate, body temperature, which can lead to muscle cramping. A multivitamin contains the minerals you need to support hydration goals.
Immune Support:
A healthy immune system is essential for athletes to stay healthy and avoid injuries. Missed training sessions can impact your fitness goals and impact performance. Vitamin C and D, along with other antioxidants, can help to bolster immune response.
Muscle Recovery:
Intense training incurs muscle damage. Higher weights, stronger reps, repeated sprints, or long-distance running, when athletes push to the max, tiny tears occur in muscle fibers – proper recovery with antioxidants can help improve recovery by providing nutrients to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
Increased Energy Demands:
Vitamins B1, B2, and B12 play a vital role in energy production. Multivitamin can help to optimize energy levels, allowing athletes to train at their best.
Oxygen Transport:
Pumping iron? Better make sure you’re getting enough. Iron plays a critical role in energy metabolism, immune health, and oxygen transport. When iron levels aren’t up to snuff, athletes can experience fatigue. Who’s at risk? Women, runners, and vegetarians/vegans. Iron rich foods and including a multivitamin can help to improve iron balance.
Best Multivitamins for Athletes:
Athletes have unique needs, and different sports require different demands. Multivitamins help to fill nutrient gaps, increased energy needs, strong bones, hydration, muscle function and recovery. Everything needed to keep you healthy and support your athletic goals. GNC has an extensive selection of multivitamins for men and women, in pills, powders, or gummies. Pair with a Banned Substance Tested Product, protein powder or creatine to help you perform at your best!
