Plasma zinc and immune markers in runners in response to a moderate increase in training volume.

Full Abstract

Changes in plasma zinc concentration and markers of immune function were examined in a group of 10 male runners (n = 10) following a moderate increase in training over four weeks. Seven sedentary males acted as controls. Fasting blood samples were taken at rest, before (T0) and after (T4) four weeks of increased (+ 16 %) training and after two weeks of reduced (-31 %) training (T6). Blood was analysed for plasma zinc concentration, differential leucocyte counts, lymphocyte subpopulations and lymphocyte proliferation using incorporation of 3H-thymidine. The runners increased their training volume by 16 % over the four weeks. When compared with the nonathletes, the runners had lower concentrations of plasma zinc (p = 0.012), CD3 + (p = 0.042) and CD19 + lymphocytes (p = 0.010) over the four weeks. Lymphocyte proliferation in response to Concanavalin A stimulation was greater in the runners (p = 0.0090). Plasma zinc concentration and immune markers remained constant during the study. Plasma zinc concentration correlated with total leucocyte counts in the athletes at T6 (r = -0.72, p < 0.05) and with Pokeweed mitogen stimulation in the nonathletes at T6 (r = -0.92, p < 0.05). Therefore, athletes are unlikely to benefit from zinc supplementation during periods of moderately increased training volume.

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Author information

Author/s: Peake, J M (JM); Gerrard, D F (DF); Griffin, J F T (JF);

Affiliation: School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. jpeake(-atsign-)hms.uq.edu.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Clinical Trial; Controlled Clinical Trial; Journal Article

Journal: International journal of sports medicine (Int J Sports Med), published in Germany. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-Apr; vol 24 (issue 3) : pp 212-6

Dates: Created 2003/05/12; Completed 2003/09/12; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12740742, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Physiological - immunology
Adult
Biological Markers - blood
Health Status
Humans
Leukocyte Count

Leukocyte Count
Lymphocytes - metabolism
Male
Physical Education and Training - methods
Running - physiology
Zinc - blood

Associated Chemicals: Biological Markers (0) ; Zinc (7440-66-6)

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