By Justin Kalafat
When thinking of minerals in supplements, the starting five are typically magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, and calcium. Don’t forget the bench mob to fill the roster: the sixth man to provide instant offense, the defensive specialist, and the energy spark. Selenium, chromium, and copper illustrate this perfectly as they are often overlooked. They can play a key role in reducing cellular damage from exercise-induced oxidative stress, may help optimize energy, and could support collagen formation. Even with athletes focusing on a nutrient-dense diet to ensure adequate intake of trace minerals, intense exercise and sweat can deplete these minerals, so supplementation can help in the ways described below.
SelenoExcell® is a highly bioavailable, organically bound selenium yeast used in sports nutrition that may combat exercise-induced oxidative stress caused by intense training, support immune function, and potentially improve muscle mass and strength when combined with training. It helps prevent free radical damage, can aid tissue recovery, and might regulate thyroid hormones to support energy metabolism.
SelenoExcell® is less toxic and more readily absorbed, digested, and retained than other forms of selenium. It is usually recommended to take a daily supplement (often 200 mcg) to maintain proper levels, especially since selenium can be depleted by intense training and lost through sweat. It works well with other antioxidants like Vitamin E.
Chromax® is a registered trademark of chromium picolinate designed to support metabolic health, weight management, and body composition. Chromax® is recognized for its high bioavailability, with studies indicating it is absorbed up to 15 times more effectively than other forms of chromium. This is confirmed by numerous human clinical studies showing its safety and effectiveness in areas such as glucose metabolism, insulin function, appetite control, and energy support.
In sports nutrition, Chromax® is used to help maintain lean muscle mass during weight loss, has the potential to improve body composition, and supports healthy insulin function. It is often used as a premium ingredient to enhance glucose metabolism and body composition in athletes.
TRAACS® Copper Bisglycinate Chelate is a highly bioavailable, amino acid-bound form of copper used in sports nutrition to improve absorption, support collagen production, energy generation (ATP), and antioxidant defense. It helps prevent deficiencies that can slow recovery and is essential for athletes taking high-dose zinc, which can deplete copper.
TRAACS® (The Real Amino Acid Chelate System) offers a stable, digestive-friendly, and highly absorbable form of copper as a key advantage. It supports collagen production, which is essential for the maintenance and repair of joints, bones, and skin—crucial for athlete longevity. TRAACS® also plays a vital role in producing ATP (the body’s energy source) and aids in iron metabolism for optimal oxygen delivery. Additionally, it may help fight oxidative stress caused by intense training.
Key Takeaway: Trace minerals (selenium, chromium and copper) can play a key role in sports nutrition and should not be relegated to the end of the bench. Make sure they get into the game to adequately support the rest of the team and enhance performance.