Vitamins and minerals are really what help keep your body functioning well and helping you get out and play hard! A total of 13 different vitamins have been identified. They are classed as either fat-soluble (vitamins A, D, E, K) or water-soluble (vitamin B complex, vitamin C).
Minerals are also extremely important for you as an athlete. They help with strong bones and teeth, keep your heart and muscles going, and maintain the inner pH balance that is needed for important bodily functions. Minerals are classified as either major or trace depending on how much is required per day. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and magnesium. Trace minerals include iron, zinc, copper, selenium and chromium.
A well-balanced diet should provide the right amount of all the vitamins and minerals regardless of age and level of physical activity. When a soccer athlete plays more, they tend to eat more, so you are still getting the extra vitamins your body is needing. Therefore, you do not need to use dietary supplements in the hopes of catching that extra “edge” on the field.
