Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is extremely important in helping red blood cells transfer oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. This vitamin is commonly used before competitions to improve performance and endurance. Research suggests that athletes with poor or marginal nutritional status for vitamin B12 may have decreased ability to perform high intensity exercise.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps athletes recover from intense training and also helps protect the immune system. It is used to form collagen, a protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is essential for the healing of wounds and the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.

Sodium

Sodium helps cells retain water and prevent dehydration. Athletes must consider that due to their increased activity and excessive sweat production, they are at risk of having too little sodium in their blood stream during training and competition. Because sodium is lost in sweat, it is more important for individuals who exercise at high intensity to get adequate sodium before, during and after exercise.

Potassium

Potassium is responsible for regulating total body water and stabilizing controlled and automatic muscle contractions. The body’s natural production of Potassium is lost through sweat and urine. Supplementing Potassium decreases recovery time, increases serum lactate and aids in muscle function and hydration.