Influence of Professional Physical Activity on the Element Status of Hair in Young Athletes (Wrestlers)
The rate of metabolic processes during physical activities increases, which leads to increased consumption of macronutrients and trace elements. We studied the elemental composition of hair in 54 young wrestlers with different levels of physical activity (high, medium and low). The proximal parts of the hair strands with a length of 3–4 cm were used for elemental analysis. The analysis was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was found that physical activity leads to the increased content of a number of chemical elements in hair. For example, intensive physical exercise is associated with increased levels of macronutrients Ca, Mg, P, K, and Na; essential trace elements Fe, Mn, Co, and Mo; conditionally essential trace elements B, Li, and Sb; Pb and Cd. The content of Cu, Se and Hg is reduced. It can be suggested that the exchange of macronutrients is most susceptible to changes during wrestling. Increased level of macronutrients in hair rather reflects its intense metabolic activity in wrestlers than the excess of these elements. The article discusses the possible causes and correlations of the identified changes. Indicators of the exchange of macronutrients and trace elements in athletes must be controlled by sports physicians because of the increased risk of disorders associated with a number of elements, in particular electrolytes. A personalized approach to the determination of the elemental status is necessary since different types of sports have different impacts on the exchange of macronutrients and trace elements. This will provide a precise assessment of the effects of increased physical activity on the individual indicators of metabolism and the detection of disorders, which can lead to reduced levels of physical reserves, adaptation potential and increase the risk of diseases and injuries.