Vitamins and Minerals for Athletes

We received the following question via email recently. The writer attended a symposium at UCLA in 1994 where Dr. Cooper spoke about the vitamins and minerals he suggested long-distance runners take to counter free radicals. The writer advised that she is still a long-distance runner, and would like to know what the current recommendations are. Her notes from the 1994 symposium document that Dr. Cooper suggested long-distance runners take 1,000 mg Vitamin C, 400 IU natural Vitamin E, and 25,000 IU Beta Carotene. She closed by also asking about recommendations on Vitamin D.

The world of supplements is honestly an area of constantly evolving science. Dr. Cooper wrote a book, the Antioxidant Revolution, back in 1994, following his research on the impact of antioxidants and athletic recovery. (The book is out of print.) The guidelines in that book were the foundation of Cooper Complete Elite Athlete, a multivitamin and mineral formulation specifically for elite athletes, including marathoners, triathletes, competitive body builders and cyclists to name a few.

The recommendation of Dr. Cooper, and his scientific team of advisors has changed significantly over the years, and Cooper Complete Elite Athlete has been revised multiple times in response to the expanding body of research available. The level of vitamin A (as natural beta carotene) is now dramatically lower, in part due to the prevalence of vitamin A/Beta Carotene in packaged cereals and many other fortified foods, while the levels of vitamin C and E have been increased to 2,000 mg (Vitamin C) and 800 IU (Vitamin E). Vitamin D, originally at 400 IU, is now at 2,000 IU. We encourage Vitamin D blood testing, and those who find levels still low with 2,000 IU per day may add additional Vitamin D to their regimen.

The latest formulation change is set to occur early next year, when we adjust the level of folic acid from 400 mcg to 200 mcg, and change the form from folate to Metafolin, a patented form of 5-methyletrahydrofolate (5-MTHT) made by Merck. Along with this ingredient change, the tablets will receive a vanilla flavored coating to make them easier to swallow.

We suggest that those taking Cooper Complete Elite Athlete exercise more than five hours per week at 80 percent maximal heart rate or higher (as defined: 205 – ½ age x 0.8) or as recommended by their healthcare professional. Here is the Cooper Complete Elite Athlete ingredient composition.

In addition to taking Cooper Complete Elite Athlete, we suggest that all adults take a minimum of 1,000 mg per day (combined) of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, as studies show that EPA is a great overall inflammation fighter.

For more information about Cooper Complete vitamins and supplements, please call 888.393.2221 or visit coopercomplete.com.

Reference
Joint Health - http://www.coopercomplete.com/store/detail/178.php

Advanced Omega-3 - http://www.coopercomplete.com/store/detail/179.php

Jill Turner is VP Operations for Cooper Concepts, the division that markets Cooper Complete nutritional supplements. Email (jsturner@cooperwellness.com) or call Jill at 972-560-3262 with your questions and comments regarding supplements.