Question

Vitamin supplementation is

a. needed only when an athlete is clearly deficient.
b. required for all athletes.
c. more important for male athletes.
d. important for achieving a high VO2 max.

Answer 1

Athletes should prioritize a balanced diet to meet their micronutrient needs, with supplementation as a secondary measure only when there is a clear deficiency. Vitamin and mineral requirements may vary on sex and physical activity, but the goal is to obtain these through dietary sources first.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering vitamin supplementation for athletes, it is not a one-size-fits-all recommendation. Athletes only need supplementation if they are not meeting their nutrient needs through diet alone.

While it is essential for athletes to maintain adequate micronutrient intake due to increased needs from exercise, supplementation is typically only needed if there is a clear deficiency.

Specific needs vary based on factors like sex, with males requiring more of certain vitamins such as C and K, and females requiring additional iron due to menstruation.

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in energy metabolism and other physical processes critical for athletes, but the goal should always be to meet these needs through a balanced and nutritious diet, using supplements as a secondary measure.