Calcium requirements for the athlete.

There is oftentimes a notion of "the more, the better" with regard to vitamin and mineral intake among individuals, and especially among athletes. Although adequate calcium intake is necessary to promote bone health and prevent osteoporosis, increased physical activity alone does not necessarily demand an increased intake of dietary calcium or other micronutrients. Athletes may lose calcium via sweat, in which case replenishment is advocated either via dietary intake of calcium-rich foods or a commercial calcium supplement. The important message to athletes is to consume a diet adequate in energy, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and fluids to support the physical demands and replenish the physiologic losses incurred with physical training.