Trabalho português abre perspectiva para estudos sobre suplementação de magnésio para atenuar efeitos da perda rápida de peso em atletas de judô

Magnesium and strength in elite judo athletes according to intracellular water changes.
Nunes Matias C, Aguiar Santos D, Monteiro CP, Silva AM, Raposo MD, Martins F, Bettencourt Sardinha L, Bicho M, Laires MJ.

Exercise and Health Laboratory, Faculty Human Kinetics, Technical University of Lisbon, Estrada da Costa, Cruz-Quebrada, Physiology and Biochemistry of Exercise Laboratory, Faculty Human Kinetics, Technical University of Lisbon, Estrada da Costa, Cruz-Quebrada, Laboratory of Immunology, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Ava. Prof. Egas Moniz, Hospital de Santa Maria, Cidade Universitária, Lisbon, Portugal.

Abstract
Magnesium (Mg) deficiency strongly affects muscle performance. In judo, many athletes often undergo impressive weight changes associated with severe dehydration. Common practices used by athletes to achieve a target weight can lead to Mg deficit. This study aimed to understand the impact of Mg changes on strength from periods of weight stability to prior to competition in a sample of elite judo athletes who differentially changed their intracellular water (ICW). The sample consisted of 20 elite male judo athletes. Subjects were divided according to ICW changes: losses below 2% and losses equal to or above 2%. Mg was measured in serum, red blood cells and urine by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. ICW was calculated as the difference between total-body water and extracellular water using dilution techniques. Maximal handgrip strength was evaluated using Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer. Upper-body power was determined in a bench press. Higher ICW decreases were associated with higher strength reductions, though our results suggest that an increase in red blood cell Mg might attenuate those strength reductions in athletes who decrease the ICW compartment. As Mg losses can be considerable and intake is frequently insufficient, athletes should consider supplementation, especially during periods of weight reduction.