Schirmer, G. P., Keith, R. E., Gropper, S. S., Pascoe, D. D., & Weese, J. (1996). Vitamin and mineral status of trained competitive cyclists during one year of training. Medicine and Science in Exercise and Sports, 28(5), Supplement abstract 538.

It was found that highly trained cyclists (N = 15) following self-selected diets without supplementation were able to maintain plasma vitamin/mineral levels within normal limits. They were also able to consume greater than RDA for almost all nutrients.

Implication. A self-selected diet of good content is sufficient to maintain appropriate vitamin and mineral levels in hard-training athletes.

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