Zinc metabolism in the athlete: influence of training, nutrition and other factors.

Serum zinc was measured four times (October, January, March and May) in six young male athletes during a nine-month sporting season in relation to eleven other parameters. A significant decrease in serum zinc was observed after five months of intensive training (all values remaining in the normal range). This cannot be explained by changes in dietary habits, plasma protein concentrations, hormonal changes nor by the existence of minor infectious or inflammatory pathologies. The dietary intakes seemed adequate. These results support the hypothesis that zinc status may be slightly altered in the high-level athlete.