A lot is said about proteins, carbohydrates, fats and water when it comes to a bodybuilder’s diet. Little is said about minerals whose functions are so essential and determine how well the body functions. Some of these minerals even control the absorption of nutrients into the body’s cells.

We will look at some of the minerals that a body builder can’t afford to miss in his diet.

1. Potassium

It is an electrolyte that’s present in the muscle cells. It regulates the water levels of the body and does this hand in hand with sodium. It is also linked with glycogen storage and muscular contractions. Deficiency will lead to muscle cramps and a general feeling of weakness.

2. Copper

It is a trace mineral but believe me there must be traces of it in your body. A deficit will not help both your bodybuilding career and your health as well. It is responsible for the transportation of oxygen and as if this wasn’t enough it also aids in its utilization.

3. Vanadium

It is a non- electrolyte that’s responsible for glycogen storage among other functions.

4. Iron

It is one of the most important minerals in the human body as it deals directly with our life juice, blood. It is part of what forms hemoglobin, a substance in the blood responsible for the transportation of oxygen around the body. The more oxygen in the tissues, the more energy levels also present. Oxygen also helps in the recovery of muscle tissues while working out.

5. Phosphorus

It is present in the body in relatively large amounts for a reason. It produces Adenosine Triphosphate and Creatine Phosphate, which are examples of energy molecules. Thus phosphorus is very important for bodybuilders because of its relation with energy production.

6. Sodium

As mentioned earlier, sodium works closely with potassium in the control of the body’s water levels. Also like potassium it is an electrolyte. Another function of sodium is in resistance training where it is responsible for nerve impulse transmission and the contraction of the muscles.

7. Chromium

It is a trace element that is very vital in the body. It helps in the transportation of fatty acids, lipids and amino acids into cells.

8. Zinc

Bodybuilding is an exercise that emphasizes on growth. Especially that of the muscles. Zinc is a mineral that leads to exactly that, growth. The diets of very many athletes have been found to be wanting especially when it comes to zinc. You should therefore consider using zinc supplements.

9.Calcium

It tops as one of the most important minerals to every bodybuilder. This is also evident in its amounts in the body. It is the number one most abundant mineral in the human body. It is present in the bones and also the teeth but this is just its basic function. Of great importance is its role in the contraction of muscles.

10. Magnesium

Magnesium supplementation in the recent years has proved to boost performance greatly. It is responsible for both the energy production and also in the synthesis of protein.

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