exercise uses fuel. the body's fuel is glucose which come from carbohydrates. that's the reason long-distance runners typically carbo-load before an event. and after a long run they usually need to refuel by consuming high-carb foods such as bagels bananas or fruit juice. strenuous exercise depletes fluids as well especially in hot weather. as for single nutrients stores of sodium potassium magnesium and some b vitamins may also be reduced after strenuous exercise. premenopausal female athletes may run a risk of iron deficiency. some sports medicine experts think that antioxidants may help athletes recover after a strenuous workout by neutralizing free radicals generated by exercise. that hasn't been proven however. and no single antioxidant stands out as particularly important. although vitamin/mineral formulas are marketed to athletes all of the nutrients that help power athletic performance can be found in a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
are certain nutrients depleted with strenuous exercise?