Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of macroelements magnesium and phosphorus, and the trace elements arsenic, boron, lithium, cesium, rubidium, tin and strontium in urine of sedentary subjects and long distance athletes, who live in the same area.

Method:

It was evaluated the urinary concentration of the metals mentioned before. The sample consisted of a group of 21 long-distance athletes. Twenty-six sedentary subjects formed the control group. The procedure consisted of recording anthropometric measurements, heart rate and blood pressure at rest. Then a stress test was performed to determine the maximum heart rate, maximum oxygen consumption, pulmonary ventilation and respiratory exchange ratio. Samples of the first morning urine of all subjects were obtained.

Results:

Athletes had significantly lower levels (P < .001) of body mass index, body fat (P < .001) and resting heart rate (P < .001). Maximum heart rate and maximum oxygen consumption (P < .001) and pulmonary ventilation (P < .05) were higher in the group of athletes. No differences were observed in urinary concentrations of phosphorus, arsenic, boron, lithium, rubidium and strontium. Urinary concentrations of magnesium (P < .001) and tin (P < .05) were lower in athletes than the control group. However, urinary concentrations of cesium (P < .05) were higher in athletes compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

Mineral concentrations analyzed are in normal values, so there is no risk to health. Training induces a less urinary excretion for magnesium and tin and an increase in cesium excretion, avoiding the toxicity because of cesium accumulation, without a performance decrease.