A recent research has correlated the effect of nutrient rich diet and athletic performance. According to the study highly energetic athletes may fail to excel in rigorous and demanding exercise simply because of a lack in Vitamin B complex in their diet. Studies prove that its Vitamin B complex in the diet that enhances the growth and repair of muscles.

The study was conducted at Oregon State University and the research was published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.

Thiamin, riboflavin, VitaminB6, VitaminB12andFolicacid are known as Vitamin B Complex. These micronutrients are essential for the body to process proteins to produce energy. According to Melinda Manore, researcher in the Colleges of Agricultural and Health and Human Sciences even a minor deficiency in these micronutrients is detrimental to the body. The body's innate capacity to fight back disease and also to repair damaged cells takes a back seat. She scrutinized several upcoming athletes as well as less competitive persons in her research.

The Vitamin B requirement of various individuals varies according to the intensity of activity and loss of nutrients in sweat and through urine after strenuous exercise. Many athletes involved in high level sports are unaware of the impact of vitamin B complex in their diet opines researchers. Athletes do not realize that a poor diet lacking in important micro nutrients may have severe detrimental effects on their health and athletic potential.

This new study reflects that current stipulated recommendations of daily allowance of vitamin B intake for athletes actually may fall short of actual requirement. Athletes who control calorie intake or limit dairy or meat products stand the risk of deficiency.

The pressure of expectations from the public to appear lissome and trim often makes women athletes cut out milk and dairy products from their diet. This often robs them of valuable micro nutrients. Whole grains, nuts and dark green vegetables, and animal and dairy products are rich sources of Vitamin B complex. Researchers suggest that athletes with limited diets should consider including multivitamin supplements in their daily diet.

Source-Medindia
MST