Micronutrients crosstalk with skeletal muscle during exercise: A review of synergistic interactions

Skeletal muscle is a highly plastic organ that undergoes significant metabolic and structural stress during exercise, necessitating precise nutritional support for adaptation and recovery. While the roles of macronutrients are well-established, the complex interplay, or "crosstalk," between essential micronutrients is a critical yet dynamic facet of exercise physiology. This review synthesizes current evidence on the synergistic relationships between key vitamins and minerals—specifically vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, the B-vitamins, antioxidants, and iron—in supporting skeletal muscle function during and after exercise. We explore how these micronutrients co-operate in energy production, calcium handling, contraction coupling, antioxidant defense, and anabolic signaling. Recent research continues to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind this crosstalk, highlighting the role of the gut-muscle axis and the impact of deficiencies on adaptive outcomes. Understanding this intricate network is paramount for developing targeted nutritional strategies that optimize athletic performance, enhance recovery, and support long-term musculoskeletal health.