A new study from researchers in Spain included over 1,000 teenagers ages 12.5-17.5 to study the correlations between physical fitness and micronutrient levels. Micronutrients are very important nutrients found in fresh whole foods. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The researchers found that if the teens were lacking key nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, beta carotene, and vitamin E, their strength and cardiovascular fitness declined. This makes sense because many of these nutrients protect our bodies from the oxidative stress that exercise causes. Essentially, the higher the antioxidant level, the harder a person can work.
Reference: L. Gracia-Marco, J. Valtuena, F. B. Ortega, F. R. Perez-Lopez, G. Vicente-Rodriguez, C. Breidenassel, M. Ferrari, D. Molnar, K. Widhalm, S. De Henauw, A. Kafatos, L. E. Diaz, F. Gottrand, G. Maiani, P. Stehle, M. J. Castillo, L. A. Moreno. Iron and vitamin status biomarkers and its association with physical fitness in adolescents. The HELENA study Journal of Applied Physiology 2012 June http://jap.physiology.org/content/113/4/566.full
University of Zaragoza, Spain.
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