Plasma, Urinary, Erythrocyte, and Platelet Concentrations of Manganese and Molybdenum in Football Players: Differences between Sexes and during the Season

Physical activity induces modifications in the concentrations of trace mineral elements. However, studies exploring sex-related differences in manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) levels among athletes are scarce. Mn and Mo are essentials metals required for a variety of metabolic functions, including those involved in normal human development, the activation of certain metalloenzymes, energy metabolism, and immune system function. They are important cofactors for a variety of enzymes, including those involved in neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism. The presence of molybdenum (Mo) is essential for several enzymes, including xanthine oxidase (XO), aldehyde oxidase, sulfite oxidase (SO), and the mitochondrial amidoxime reductase component (mARC). This study aimed to: (a) analyse changes in plasma, urine, erythrocyte, and platelet Mn and Mo concentrations throughout a competitive season in men’s and women’s football players, and (b) investigate sex-based discrepancies. A total of 46 football players (22 men: age; 20.62 ± 2.66 years; height; 1.76 ± 0.061 m; weight; 71.50 ± 5.93 kg, and 24 women: age; 23.21 ± 4.11 years; height; 1.65 ± 0.06 m; weight; 59.58 ± 7.17 kg) participated in this study. Three assessments were conducted throughout the competitive season. Data were collected on anthropometry, body composition, nutritional intake, physical fitness, female hormones, haematology, and the determination of Mn and Mo in different biological compartments. Regarding Mn, significant sex differences were observed in plasma, urine, and erythrocyte concentrations (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant variations were observed throughout the season in all analysed biological compartments (p < 0.05). Regarding Mo, significant sex differences were reported in plasma concentrations (p < 0.05). Similarly, there were variations throughout the season in all analysed biological compartments (p < 0.05). Plasma, urine, erythrocyte, and platelet Mn and Mo concentrations could change during a competitive season in football players. On the other hand, sex differences could exist in plasma, urine, and erythrocyte Mn concentrations in football players.