[Mineral salts and water in the diet of the athlete].

Hydroelectrolyte disturbances, even if modest, are capable of negatively modifying sports performance. When the sweating, that accompanies sports activity, is abundant, it is the means by which the greatest quantity of water and salt are lost. A correct diet can prevent any of the manifestations connected to an altered hydroelectrolyte equilibrium, especially when the activity is very prolonged. A potassium or magnesium defect, even if they rarely reach serum levels below the norm, are frequently encountered after sports activity of an intermediate time span (2-3 hrs.), during which the athlete rarely eats. Variations of sodium and/or calcium are instead difficult to appreciate.