Sulfur status in judo athletes by XRF

The human biomonitoring, measurement of chemical and/or their metabolites in human fluids, is an important tool for assessing the health condition of subjects, included athletes. In this study, sulfur levels were investigated in blood of judo athletes using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) technique. Twenty athletes participated of this study. Two groups of athletes were selected: judo with a balanced diet with multivitamin/mineral supplements consumption and judo with diet not controlled. These data were compared with the control group (subjects of the same age but not involved with physical activities). There was a significant increase of S levels in athletes with diet not controlled. These data can be useful to a well-planned nutritional proposition that can contribute to better performance of athletes. (paper)