Trace element zinc in the nutrition of athletes: physiological and hygienic aspects

The article analyzes the literature data on the physiological role and hygienic significance of zinc in the nutrition of athletes. It is noted that the provision of zinc to the body is a significant factor affecting the functional state of the immune system, the level of physical performance and the rate of recovery processes during muscle work. Attention is focused on the fact that intense physical exertion and high intensity of metabolic processes associated with sports activities are accompanied by increased excretion of zinc from the body of athletes. Zinc deficiency negatively affects immunological reactivity, antioxidant status, memory, physical performance, health status of athletes and their sports results. To prevent zinc deficiency in the body when performing heavy physical exertion, it is necessary to increase the consumption of foods, primarily of animal origin, rich in zinc. Medications containing zinc can be used by athletes only on the doctor's prescription after laboratory confirmation of the presence of zinc deficiency in the body.