Nutrition has a significant impact on metabolism, health, and performance. For competitive athletes, it is crucial that metabolism functions optimally and yields maximum results. To this day, the belief persists that a balanced diet—however it may be defined—guarantees adequate micronutrient supply. However, this is by no means the norm.

High physical exertion is associated with increased production of free radicals. When our body cannot neutralize these radicals, this is referred to as oxidative stress. Athletes place much higher demands on the body. The performance required is at a much higher level. Therefore, oxidative stress is of particular importance for athletes. It should be prevented in any case, as it ultimately reduces the athlete’s performance capacity.

The capacity to break down free radicals varies individually, as does the tolerance to radical exposure. The body has an efficient detoxification system for this purpose, but it often cannot meet the increased demands of competitive sports. Therefore, targeted use of antioxidants is usually essential for athletes.

Regular moderate endurance training strengthens the body’s own protective mechanisms against radical damage; however, intensive physical exertion leads to an increase in radical production and thus potentially to damage to body structures. The dosage of healthy training intensity does not follow general rules, but is highly individual. Only through appropriate diagnostics can the athlete’s needs be identified.

When selecting the markers to be analyzed, their connection to micronutrient deficiency plays a role. The IABC – Institute for Applied Biochemistry AG has developed a diagnostic system for this purpose that describes the most important processes related to athletic activity as well as health in general. Through the targeted use of micronutrients, we can specifically influence these processes and thereby achieve and maintain optimal performance capacity. Since each athlete has different needs, a comprehensive analysis is first conducted, followed by an individual composition of the required supplements.

More information on HCK in competitive sports can be found here >> HCK Sponsoring

Patrick Benz

Triathlon

“With HCK, I have an individual micronutrient blend. The measure–make–measure method is ideal for me. As an athlete and coach, this is very important to me. As a Swiss athlete, I am of course very pleased to be able to use a micronutrient product from Switzerland with HCK®.”

How can our customers benefit from the insights gained in elite sports?

All of us perform at a physical and mental level at work or in the family. In certain phases of life, the body needs additional support—this may be in a stressful working life or when managing the responsibilities of household and family, or specific physical strains on the body such as pregnancy, menopause, and much more.

Our society is performance-oriented, and we tend to put ourselves under pressure. This also costs our body energy and requires regeneration at the cellular level.

To do so, it is necessary to know the individual need for essential micronutrients and to meet it optimally. This enables the body to provide energy every day and to regenerate overnight.

When reserves are continuously replenished and nutrients are effectively delivered to the cells, performance can be achieved and bodily functions run smoothly. The insights from elite sports show what effects can be achieved when individual micronutrient needs are met—faster recovery, more energy.

Further links:

https://www.hck-mikronaehrstoffe.ch/sponsoring/