Abstract:
Introduction. Mineral salts, similar to proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins are
indispensable to the human body. The human body can not "manufacture" mineral salts, they are
received daily through diet. The food as a source of minerals is very important for body health.
Materials and methods. The profile literature and database was evaluated.
Results. Minerals have the ability to maintain cell membrane stability, osmotic balance, and
enzyme catalysts. The body loses minerals through urine, feces, sweating daily. In the
sportsmen, during physical effort, much of the minerals are eliminated more by sweating. That is
why they require a daily intake of minerals much higher than sedentary and passive people. Ca is
important for nerve and muscle cells, stimulates the release of acetylcholine, allows muscle
contraction (in the absence total decontraction is impossible, resulting in uncontrollable muscle
spasms and cramps). Ca activates vital enzymes and increases the permeability of cell
membranes. For optimal Ca assimilation, Mg and P are required in a well-defined proportion.
Mg activates enzymes, plays a role in the conversion of ATP into muscle. Contrary to Ca, Mg
stops decreasing of skeletal muscle excitability limit. K is found in intracellular fluids and
maintains osmotic balance, engages in muscle and liver glycogen formation. K acts the
transmission of nerve impulses and the onset of muscle contraction. Zn participates in basic metabolism, cell growth, digestion, testosterone production. Cu is involved in the transport of
oxygen, promotes the resorption of Fe through intestine, and indirectly participates in the
production of hemoglobin and myoglobin in muscle. The natural sources of minerals are: Mg –
pumpkin seeds, spinach, dried plums, beans; K – dried apricots and plums, beans, baked
potatoes, spinach, mushrooms; Zn – sprout wheat, pumpkin and sesame seeds, chickpea; Cu –sesame, sunflower seeds, walnuts; Fe – cereals, spirulina, plums, lentils, peanuts, spinach; P –nuts, algae, beans.
Conclusions. People who practice sports must use balanced natural sources of minerals daily.
