The United Kingdom has many reasons to boast to the entire world about its athletic program. They are ranked fourth in the Olympics for winning the most medals with DOMS 263 total medals gold, silver and bronze. The United States topped the list with more than 1,000 medals in total.

In numbers, there are 17,500 professional sportsmen in the UK composed of both men and women. According to the government, more than 200,000 Brits are engaging in different athletic activities, mostly track and field.

Based on reports, sports activities contribute more than £39 billion to the UK’s entire economy. While a significant portion of it comes from the grassroots level, it also includes gym memberships and match fees.

If you base it on the numbers and the information listed above, Brits, in particular, are severe when it comes to sports. But, how about the athletes’ nutrition? In general, nutrition in sports is vital to keep an athlete’s performance optimum and their health.

So, regardless of your sport, you need to feel your very best all the time by fuelling up your body with the right sports nutrition. For sports supplements, the UK has the best shops which Brit athletes must take courtesy of, for vitamins and minerals. Here are the top four shops from among them.

Vitamin B12

The Vitamin B complex is one of the most beneficial and efficient groups of vitamins not just for athletes but for an average human being. Vitamin B12, in particular, is crucial in your body’s metabolism. Each cell in your body is dependent on vitamin B12. It also plays a crucial part in synthesizing your body’s fatty acids to produce energy.

With this in mind, it is an important vitamin for athletes to improve their energy and performance during both competition and training. Vitamin B12 deficiency results in fatigue, numbness of your extremities, and weakness.

Vitamin B12 is widely available. For sports supplements, the UK has plenty of reputed shops. Also, vitamin B12 is abundant in vegetables, poultry products and meat products. Vegans consume vitamin B12 separately as it is an important pair for cereals, grains, and bread.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A or referred to as the vitamin for the eye. It is well-known for its art of improving vision. Many people do not know that vitamin A is also an effective antioxidant to fight free radicals from oxidative stress. Based on health studies, people who over consume vitamin supplements suffer from toxic effects.

Thus, doctors always prescribe taking vitamin A for people who suffer from vitamin overconsumption’s adverse effects. This particular type of vitamin, which is also referred to as beta carotene, is very rich in carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, spinach, and sweet potato.

Fish Oil

Fish oil or popularly referred to as Omega-3, has eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential fatty acids to prevent heart disease. Athletes need omega-3 fish oil for other reasons. The essential fatty acids of omega-3 fish oil are a great joint and muscle lubricant which prevents injury.

It also improves blood pressure and has tremendous benefits for a bodybuilder. It reduces soreness on muscles, especially those beginners who suffer from Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

Magnesium

This mineral is very efficient in maintaining your muscle and nerve function. It also maintains your cardiovascular system’s function normally, such as your blood pressure, vasomotor tone, and your heart’s rhythm. Aside from these, magnesium helps maintain your bone’s integrity and your blood sugar level.

Magnesium is also good at absorbing calcium. Also, research suggests that athletes who engage in endurance sports such as marathons and triathlon are those who need magnesium badly. In general, consuming magnesium regularly contributes to overall health and prevents muscle cramps and manages stress efficiently.

There you have it! The top four vitamins and minerals athletes need! If you deepen your research or consult a sports nutritionist, there are more vitamins and minerals you can benefit from! For starters, these four are already enough!