Abstract
To determine the zinc (Zn) status in long distance runners during the period after the running season, Zn balance was measured in 12 male student long distance runners for five days. Daily dietary intake of energy and Zn were 3000 kcal and 38 mg, respectively. Twenty-four-hour urine Zn excretion exceeded the standard value, the serum Zn concentration was within the normal range, and the sweat Zn concentration was relatively low, but prominently positive Zn balances were observed 11 of the 12 subjects. These results suggest that the Zn status in long distance runners during runnning season is low or deficient.
