Micronutrient requirements for athletes

The micronutrient intake and status of athletes has been assessed in numerous research studies; however, limitations exist in many of these studies, owing to the cross-sectional nature of the study design. From the published data, however, it seems that athletes who consume adequate energy and micronutrients would not benefit from supplementation. Longitudinal research is required (including supplementation studies) to follow athletes over time and evaluate dietary intake, nutritional status, and effects of performance properly.