Effects of Intense Endurance Exercise on Serum Levels of Zinc and Copper in Elite Rowers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of zinc and copper in well-trained individuals of men's rowing team during and after aerobic maximal intensity endurance exercise. Eleven well-trained young male completed the exercise protocol. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after exercise and 1 h after exercise. Serum was analyzed for Zn and Cu by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. Both of Zn and Cu levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in serum samples collected 1 h after exercise while no significant change (p > 0.05) for Zn and Cu was observed in serum samples collected immediately after exercise in comparison to the resting levels.