The effect of different doses of zinc supplementation on serum element and lactate levels in elite volleyball athletes

The present study aims to examine the effect of different doses of zinc administration on serum element metabolism and fatigue. The study registered 20 female elite athletes. The subjects were divided into two groups in equal numbers. Group supplemented with 220 mg/day zinc sulfate. Group supplemented with 440 mg/day zinc sulfate. Athletes who were already engaged in their daily training routines were put to a 20-m shuttle run test to create fatigue before and after supplementation. Blood samples were collected from the subjects for a total of 7 times, before and after zinc supplementation and during rest and after exercise within one-week intervals over the course of the 4-week supplementation. The blood samples collected as such were analyzed to determine serum magnesium, phosphorus and calcium, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, and plasma lactate. Both exercise and zinc supplementations significantly elevated magnesium, calcium, and iron levels for 4 weeks. Pre-supplementation exercise elevated plasma lactate levels, while zinc supplementation led to a fall in plasma lactate. The results of the present study indicate that zinc-supplementation for 4 weeks may have a positive impact on athletic performance by delaying fatigue. (C) 2016 Published by Elsevier Sp. z o.o. on behalf of Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice.