Sports Nutrition Recommendations Research Articles

Validation of the Athlete's Plate Nutrition Educational Tool: Phase I.

Nutrition education visual tools are designed to help the general population translate science into practice. The purpose of this study was to validate the Athlete's Plate (AP) to ensure that it meets the current sport nutrition recommendations for athletes. Twelve registered dietitians (RDs; 10 female and 2 male) volunteered for the study. Each registered dietitian was asked to create three real and virtual plates at three different times corresponding to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the three different AP training loads, easy (E), moderate (M), and hard (H), divided into two weight categories (male 75kg and female 60kg). Data of the real and virtual plates were evaluated using Computrition software (v. 18.1; Computrition, Chatsworth, CA). Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS (version 23.0; IBM, Armonk, NY) to compare the difference between each training load category (E, M, and H) and the recommendations. No statistically significant differences were found among the created plates and the recommendations for energy, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber for E, M, and H. Protein relative to body mass (BM) was higher than recommended for E (1.9 ± 0.3g·kg-1BM·day-1, p = .003), M (2.3 ± 0.3g·kg-1BM·day-1, p < .001), and H (2.9+0.5g·kg-1BM·day-1, p < .001). No differences were found for the macronutrient distribution by gender when correcting for kilograms of body mass. The authors conclude that the AP meets the nutrition recommendations for athletes at different training intensities for energy, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber, but exceeds the recommendations for protein. Further research should consider this protein discrepancy and develop an AP model that meets, besides health and performance goals, contemporary guidelines for sustainability.

Determinants of coaches\u2019 intentions to provide different recommendations on sports nutrition to their athletes

BackgroundCoaches are considered as an important source of nutrition information by their athletes. However, their knowledge in this area is often insufficient for proper guidance and may lead to the dissemination of misinformation regarding sports nutrition. The aim of this study was to assess coaches’ intentions as well as psychosocial determinants underlying their intentions to provide sports nutrition recommendations to their high school athletes.MethodsCoaches (n = 47) completed a Web-based questionnaire based on the theory of planned behaviour, to assess their intentions to provide three different sports nutrition recommendations and their determinants. Multiple regression analyses were used to identify the variables that were most strongly related to the intentions.ResultsForty-six, 44.7 and 91.9% of coaches had the intention to recommend a higher consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates, foods rich in proteins and an increase in hydration to their athletes, respectively. Subjective norm was the only significant determinant of coaches’ intention to recommend a higher consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates (R2 = 53.7%, β = 0.73 ± 0.12, P < 0.0001). Subjective norm and perceived behavioural control were significantly associated with coaches’ intentions to recommend a higher consumption of foods rich in proteins (R2 = 25.9%, β = 0.50 ± 0.16, P = 0.002 and R2 = 17.2%, β = 0.39 ± 0.17, P = 0.01, respectively) and an increase in hydration (R2 = 26.8%, β = 0.38 ± 0.13, P = 0.001 and R2 = 46.3%, β = 0.58 ± 0.11, P < 0.0001, respectively).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that subjective norm and perceived behavioural control represent important determinants of coaches’ intentions to provide recommendations on sports nutrition. These findings should be considered in future interventions aimed at facilitating proper general sports nutrition recommendations provided by coaches to their athletes.

Development of a questionnaire to assess dietary restrictions runners use to mitigate gastrointestinal symptoms

BackgroundExercise induced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms can plague athletes, especially runners. Sport nutrition recommendations are nutrient rather than foods focused and do not adequately address strategies to reduce GI symptoms. The objective was to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire to evaluate pre-training and pre-racing voluntary food restrictions/choices, reasons for avoiding foods, and gastrointestinal symptoms in endurance runners.MethodsValidity testing occurred through four Registered Dietitians, three of whom possess Master’s degrees, and a dietetic trainee who provided initial feedback. Additionally, one Registered Dietitian is a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD), and another has an International Olympic Committee Diploma in Sports Nutrition. The second version was sent out to nine different experts who rated each question using a Likert scale and provided additional comments. For reliability testing, the questionnaire was administered to 39 participants in a test re-test format. Kappa statistics and the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) were used to assess the reliability.ResultsAll questions had an average Likert scale rating of 4/5 or greater. All test re-test results falling under basic information exhibited substantial agreement (kappa ≥0.61). All medical questions including food allergies and intolerances had moderate (kappa ≥0.41) or higher agreement. Responses were less consistent for food avoidances while training (5/28 outcomes) versus racing (0/28 outcomes) with a kappa below 0.41. All reasons for avoiding foods were deemed reliable. Regarding symptoms, side stitch while training and gas while racing were the only flagged categories.ConclusionsOverall, the questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool to evaluate voluntary dietary restrictions among endurance runners. Future studies can use the questionnaire to assess dietary strategies runners employ to reduce GI distress and optimize performance.

NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES OF SLOVENIAN NATIONAL JUNIOR SWIMMING TEAM

Purpose: The purpose of our study was to assess the nutritional strategies of Slovenian national junior swimming team and compare them with recommendations of clinical sports nutrition. Competitive young swimmers namely have increased energy and nutrient needs compared to general adolescents due to frequent and intense training. Despite some physiological differences from adults, adult sports nutrition recommendations for macronutrients apply to them. Further, literature reports iron, calcium, and vitamin D intake as frequently inadequate.Methods: Nutritional strategies of 19 members of Slovenian national junior swimming team were assessed retrospectively through 3-day food and activity diaries, questionnaires, anthropometric data including bioimpedance analysis. Energy availability (EA), macronutrient intake and timing, iron, calcium and vitamin D intakes, hydration, consumption of sports food and dietary supplement use were evaluated.Results: EA in some of male swimmers and in majority of female swimmers was lower than recommended. Carbohydrate intake was adequate in male swimmers and two thirds of female swimmers. Although average protein intake exceeded the upper recommended limit, some female swimmers did not meet the lower recommended intake limit. Total fat intake was lower than recommended, with saturated fat intake on the upper recommended level. Calcium and iron intake in male swimmers exceeded recommended values, while female swimmers had lower calcium intake than recommended and some had lower iron intake, too. Vitamin D intake was low in all swimmers. Meal timing was adequate in majority of swimmers, who often reached for dietary supplements, mostly omega 3 fatty acids, multivitamins, and magnesium.Conclusions: Low EA in young competitive swimmers is of concern. More successful, personalised nutrition strategies for young competitive swimmers, focusing on higher energy intake and healthy food choices, would contribute to the preservation of their health and development into top performers.

Carbohydrate restriction: Friend or foe of resistance-based exercise performance?

It is commonly accepted that adequate carbohydrate availability is necessary for optimal endurance performance. However, for strength- and physique-based athletes, sports nutrition research and recommendations have focused on protein ingestion, with far less attention given to carbohydrates. Varying resistance exercise protocols, such as differences in intensity, volume, and intraset rest prescriptions between strength-training and physique-training goals elicit different metabolic responses, which may necessitate different carbohydrate needs. The results of several acute and chronic training studies suggest that although severe carbohydrate restriction may not impair strength adaptations during a resistance training program, consuming an adequate amount of carbohydrate in the days leading up to testing may enhance maximal strength and strength-endurance performance. Although several molecular studies demonstrate no additive increases in postexercise mammalian target of rapamycin 1 phosphorylation with carbohydrate and protein compared with protein ingestion alone, the effects of chronic resistance training with carbohydrate restriction on muscle hypertrophy are conflicting and require further research to determine a minimal carbohydrate threshold necessary to optimize muscle hypertrophy. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding carbohydrate availability and resistance training outcomes and poses new research questions that will better help guide carbohydrate recommendations for strength and physique athletes. In addition, given that success in physique sports is based on subjective appearance, and not objective physical performance, we also review the effects of subchronic carbohydrate ingestion during contest preparation on aesthetic appearance.

Perceptions and Determinants of Eating for Health and Performance in High-Level Male Adolescent Rugby Union Players.

Sports nutrition recommendations provide guidance on dietary strategies to optimise sports performance. However, research indicates that young athletes often find it difficult to follow these guidelines in practice. Limited research exists on the determinants that influence adherence to sports nutrition guidelines. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and determinants of eating for health and performance in high-level male adolescent rugby union players. Determinants were explored using semi-structured individual interviews in New Zealand high-level male rugby union players (n = 20, 16–18 years). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then underwent thematic analysis. Perceptions of eating for health and performance included balance and variety, appropriate portions, and specific foods. Both adolescent- and sport-specific determinants influenced the food choices of participants. Determinants relevant to adolescent lifestyles included the influence of significant others such as peers and family but also included the taste, cost, convenience, and availability of food. Sports-specific determinants revolved around the desire to enhance sports performance, motivation to perform, and team culture. The media (mainstream and social media), physical appearance, and feeling good were identified as both adolescent- and sport-specific factors influencing food choice. These findings highlight the importance of having support and positive role modelling to help young athletes make optimal food choices for health and performance. Strategies to further enable healthy eating practices should aim to strengthen the support available to young athletes in the home, school, and sporting environments and should include education on appropriate social media use to inform eating for health and performance.

Seasonal Changes in Soccer Players' Body Composition and Dietary Intake Practices.

Devlin, BL, Kingsley, M, Leveritt, MD, and Belski, R. Seasonal changes in soccer players' body composition and dietary intake practices. J Strength Cond Res 31(12): 3319-3326, 2017-The aims of this study were 2-fold: to determine seasonal changes in dietary intake and body composition in elite soccer players and to evaluate the influence of self-determined individual body composition goals on dietary intake and body composition. This longitudinal, observational study assessed body composition (total mass, fat-free soft tissue mass, and fat mass) using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and dietary intake (energy and macronutrients) via multiple-pass 24-hour recalls, at 4 time points over a competitive season in elite soccer players from one professional club in the Australian A-League competition. Self-reported body composition goals were also recorded. Eighteen elite male soccer players took part (25 ± 5 years, 180.5 ± 7.4 cm, 75.6 ± 6.5 kg). Majority (≥67%) reported the goal to maintain weight. Fat-free soft tissue mass increased from the start of preseason (55,278 ± 5,475 g) to the start of competitive season (56,784 ± 5,168 g; p < 0.001), and these gains were maintained until the end of the season. Fat mass decreased over the preseason period (10,072 ± 2,493 g to 8,712 ± 1,432 g; p < 0.001), but increased during the latter part of the competitive season. Dietary intake practices on training days were consistent over time and low compared with sport nutrition recommendations. The self-reported body composition goals did not strongly influence dietary intake practices or changes in body composition. This study has demonstrated that body composition changes over the course of a soccer season are subtle in elite soccer players despite relatively low self-reported intake of energy and carbohydrate.

Differential in Maximal Aerobic Capacity by Sex in Collegiate Endurance Athletes Consuming a Marginally Low Carbohydrate Diet

ABSTRACTPurpose: Although current sports nutrition recommendations advocate for a high carbohydrate (CHO) intake among endurance athletes, recent research has suggested that training with low CHO availability may augment adaptations to aerobic training. The purpose of this study was to observe the dietary habits of collegiate distance runners and to investigate the effects of habitual CHO intake on aerobic performance [VO2max(post)] during a competitive season.Methods: During an 8-week trial period, 12 (N = 12) collegiate track athletes recorded their self-selected dietary intake via 24-hour recall. Analysis of CHO intake was conducted by a registered dietitian. Pre [VO2max (pre)] and post [VO2max (post)] season aerobic capacity assessments were performed using a one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with 2 covariates controlling for VO2max (pre) and CHO intake compared to the variance in VO2max (pre) and VO2max (post) by sex.Results: The average CHO was 4.11 ± 1.03 g/kg body mass (BM), with only one female athlete meeting dietary recommendations, consuming ≥ 6 g/kg BM. Male distance runners on average had a lower CHO than females. After adjusting for VO2max (pre) and CHO, there were statistically significant differences between VO2max (post) group means by sex with a difference of 12.62 ml/kg/min (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.12–23.12, p = 0.02), with CHO accounting for 18% of the variance in VO2max (post).Conclusion: Collegiate distance runners exhibited marked improvements in maximal aerobic capacity during the in-season while consuming a marginally low-CHO diet, with a predominant effect in males. Therefore, CHO intakes below current recommendations for endurance athletes might not be detrimental to aerobic training adaptations.

Differential in Aerobic Capacity Among Collegiate Distance Runners Consuming a Low Carbohydrate Diet

Although current sports nutrition recommendations advocate for a high carbohydrate (CHO) intake among endurance athletes, recent research has suggested that training with low CHO availability may augment adaptations to aerobic training. When adopted during the competitive season, when training intensity and the demand for glycogen replenishment is high, low CHO diets may be detrimental to training adaptations by preventing adequate recovery between concurrent high-intensity endurance sessions. PURPOSE: To observe the dietary habits of collegiate distance runners and to investigate the effects of habitual CHO intake on aerobic performance (PostVO2max) during a competitive season. METHODS: During an 8-week trial period, 12 collegiate track athletes (males, n=8; females, n=4) recorded their self-selected dietary intake via 24-hr recall. Analysis of CHO intake was conducted by a registered dietitian using NutriCalc software. Pre (PreVO2max) and post season aerobic capacity assessments were performed. A one-way ANCOVA with two covariates controlling for PreVO2max and CHO intake compared the variance in PreVO2max and PostVO2max by sex. RESULTS: The average CHO intake was 4.11 ± 1.03 g/kg with only one female athlete meeting dietary recommendations, consuming > 6 g/kg. Male distance runners had a lower CHO intake than females (3.64±0.77g/kg; 5.03±0.91g/kg). After adjusting for PreVO2max and CHO, the male improvement in PostVO2max was 12.62 ml/kg/min (95% CI 2.12-23.12, p = 0.02) greater than the effect observed in females. There were no differences in weight and body composition changes by sex throughout the season (p= 0.48; p= 0.86). CHO accounted for 18% of the variance in PostVO2max. CONCLUSIONS: Collegiate distance runners were able to make improvements in their aerobic capacity during a competitive season while consuming a low CHO diet, with a predominant effect in male athletes. Therefore, it may not be detrimental for endurance athletes to consume low CHO diets while undergoing training at high intensities from an aerobic adaptation standpoint.

Influence of Dietary Acid Load on Exercise Performance.

Diet composition can affect systemic pH and acid-base regulation, which may in turn influence exercise performance. An acidic environment in the muscle impairs performance and contributes to fatigue; therefore, current trends in sports nutrition place importance on maximizing the alkalinity of the body with ergogenic aids and dietary strategies. This review examines the evidence on the effects of dietary manipulations on acid load and exercise performance. Ten studies that investigated the effect of high versus low dietary acid loads on athletic performance generally identified that low dietary acid loads increased plasma pH, but did not consistently improve exercise performance at maximal or submaximal exercise intensities. In addition, the few studies conducted have several limitations including lack of female subjects and use of exercise tests exclusive to cycling or treadmill running. Although the research does not strongly support a performance benefit from low dietary acid loads, a more alkaline dietary pattern may be beneficial for overall health, as dietary induced acidosis has been associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease and bone disease. The review includes dietary recommendations for athletes to reduce dietary acid load while still meeting sports nutrition recommendations.

Co je nového ve světě sportovní výživy

Sport nutrition is progressively increasing scientific discipline being an important part of the field of sports medicine. Competition and training nutrition strategies that focus on sufficient macronutrient intake and ergogenic aids to promote energy availability and delay determinants of fatigue are currently based on sound scientific evidence. The aim of the review is to analyze the guidelines for exercise and sport nutrition published by the American College of Sport Nutrition (ACSM) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in the period before and after 2010. Energy availability (EA), relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), carbohydrate feeding during exercise (such as a mouth rinse and multitransportable carbohydrate feeding during long term exercise) and eventually “trainlow, compete high“ nutrition strategy intentionally manipulating with carbohydrate availability have been identified as novel and innovative. Sport nutrition recommendations issued by well-respected scientific authorities are currently revised according to the above mentioned topics and are now well accepted even by athletes.

Dietary Intakes of Elite 14- to 19-Year-Old English Academy Rugby Players During a Pre-Season Training Period

Good nutrition is essential for the physical development of adolescent athletes, however data on dietary intakes of adolescent rugby players are lacking. This study quantified and evaluated dietary intake in 87 elite male English academy rugby league (RL) and rugby union (RU) players by age (under 16 (U16) and under 19 (U19) years old) and code (RL and RU). Relationships of intakes with body mass and composition (sum of 8 skinfolds) were also investigated. Using 4-day diet and physical activity diaries, dietary intake was compared with adolescent sports nutrition recommendations and the UK national food guide. Dietary intake did not differ by code, whereas U19s consumed greater energy (3366 ± 658 vs. 2995 ± 774 kcal·day-1), protein (207 ± 49 vs. 150 ± 53 g·day-1) and fluid (4221 ± 1323 vs. 3137 ± 1015 ml·day-1) than U16s. U19s consumed a better quality diet than U16s (greater intakes of fruit and vegetables; 4.4 ± 1.9 vs. 2.8 ± 1.5 servings·day-1; nondairy proteins; 3.9 ± 1.1 vs. 2.9 ± 1.1 servings·day-1) and less fats and sugars (2.0 ± 1. vs. 3.6 ± 2.1 servings·day-1). Protein intake vs. body mass was moderate (r = .46, p < .001), and other relationships were weak. The findings of this study suggest adolescent rugby players consume adequate dietary intakes in relation to current guidelines for energy, macronutrient and fluid intake. Players should improve the quality of their diet by replacing intakes from the fats and sugars food group with healthier choices, while maintaining current energy, and macronutrient intakes.

Evaluation of a Theory-Based Intervention Aimed at Improving Coaches’ Recommendations on Sports Nutrition to Their Athletes

BackgroundCoaches are a major source of nutrition information and influence for young athletes. Yet, most coaches do not have training in nutrition to properly guide their athletes. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at improving the accuracy of coaches’ recommendations on sports nutrition. DesignThis was a quasi-experimental study with a comparison group and an intervention group. Measurements were made at baseline, post-intervention, and after a 2-month follow-up period. Coaches’ recommendations on sports nutrition during the follow-up period were recorded in a diary. Participants/settingHigh school coaches from various sports (n=41) were randomly assigned to a comparison group or an intervention group. InterventionBoth groups attended two 90-minute sessions of a theory-based intervention targeting determinants of coaches’ intention to provide recommendations on sports nutrition. The intervention group further received an algorithm that summarizes sports nutrition guidelines to help promote decision making on sports nutrition recommendations. Main outcome measuresNutrition knowledge and accuracy of coaches’ recommendations on sports nutrition. Statistical analysis performedχ2 analyses and t-tests were used to compare baseline characteristics; mixed and general linear model analyses were used to assess the change in response to the intervention and differences in behaviors, respectively. ResultsCoaches in the intervention vs comparison group provided more nutrition recommendations during the 2-month post-intervention period (mean number of recommendations per coach 25.7±22.0 vs 9.4±6.5, respectively; P=0.004) and recommendations had a greater accuracy (mean number of accurate recommendations per coach 22.4±19.9 [87.1%] vs 4.3±3.2 [46.1%], respectively; P<0.001). Knowledge was significantly increased post-intervention in both groups, but was maintained only in the intervention group during the 2-month follow-up (Pgroup*time=0.04). ConclusionsA theory-based intervention combined with a decision-making algorithm maintained coaches’ sports nutrition knowledge level over time and helped them to provide more accurate recommendations on sports nutrition.

Many non-elite multisport endurance athletes do not meet sports nutrition recommendations for carbohydrates.

Little is known regarding the dietary intake of non-elite athletes involved in multisport endurance events. The primary objective of this observational study was to characterize the dietary intake of non-elite athletes participating in winter triathlon (snowshoeing, skating, and cross-country skiing), winter pentathlon (winter triathlon sports + cycling and running), Ironman (IM: swimming, cycling, running), and half-distance Ironman (IM 70.3) in relation with current sports nutrition recommendations. A total of 116 non-elite athletes (32 women and 84 men) who had participated in one of those events in 2014 were included in the analyses. Usual dietary intake was assessed using a validated online food frequency questionnaire. Participants (22-66 years old) trained 14.8 ± 5.3 h/week, on average (±SD). Only 45.7% [95% confidence interval, 36.4%-55.2%] of all athletes reported consuming the recommended intake for carbohydrates, with the highest proportion (66.7%) seen in IM athletes. On the other hand, 87.1% [79.6%-92.6%] of all athletes reported consuming at least 1.2 g protein·kg(-1)·day(-1), while 66.4% [57.0%-74.9%] reported consuming more than 1.6 g protein·kg(-1)·day(-1). The proportion of athletes consuming the recommended amount of protein was highest (84.6%) among IM athletes. There was no difference in the proportion of athletes achieving the recommended carbohydrate and protein intakes between men and women. These findings suggest that many non-elite multisport endurance athletes do not meet the current recommendations for carbohydrates, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional education. Further research is needed to examine how underreporting of food intake may have affected these estimates.

Energy Availability and Dietary Patterns of Adult Male and Female Competitive Cyclists With Lower Than Expected Bone Mineral Density.

The purpose of this study was to assess energy availability (EA) and dietary patterns of 10 adult (29-49 years) male (n = 6) and female (n = 4) competitive (USA Cycling Category: Pro, n = 2; 1-4, n = 8) endurance cyclists (5 road, 5 off-road), with lower than expected bone mineral density (BMD; Z score < 0) across a season. Energy intake (EI) and exercise energy expenditure during preseason (PS), competition (C), and off-season (OS) were estimated from 3-day dietary records, completed once per month, across a cycling season. BMD was measured by DXA at 0 months/5 months/10 months. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) was used to assess cognitive dietary restraint. Seventy percent of participants had low EA [(LEA); < 30 kcal · kg fat-free mass (FFM) (-1) · day(-1)] during PS, 90% during C, and 80% during OS (range: 3-37 kcal · kg FFM(-1) · day(-1)). Ninety percent of cyclists had LEA during ≥ 1 training period, and 70% had LEA across the season. Seventy percent of cyclists were identified as restrained eaters who consciously restrict EI as a means of weight control. Mean daily carbohydrate intake was below sport nutrition recommendations during each training period (PS: 3.9 ± 1.1 g · kg(-1) · day(-1), p < .001; C: 4.3 ± 1.4 g · kg(-1) · day(-1), p = .005; OS: 3.7 ± 1.4 g · kg(-1) · day(-1), p = .01). There were no differences in EA and EI · kg(-1) between male and female cyclists and road and off-road cyclists. Low EI, and specifically low carbohydrate intake, appears to be the main contributor to chronic LEA in these cyclists. Adult male and female competitive road and off-road cyclists in the United States may be at risk for long-term LEA. Further studies are needed to explore strategies to prevent and monitor long-term LEA in these athletes.

Eating Habits and Patterns of Female College Athletes

The benefit of adequate nutrition contributing to successful athletic performance is well known, but not completely understood and applied among athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess nutrient intakes, and dietary habits and patterns of female college athletes by comparing participant data to sports nutrition recommendations for athletes. Participants (n = 49) completed a Nutritional Questionnaire followed by a detailed 3‐day food record. Overall energy consumption and macronutrient distributions were measured; data were also collected on participants' eating habits. Mean carbohydrate intake (3.8g/kg/day + 1.54) was significantly lower than the minimum recommendation for athletes (5g/kg/day of body weight) [t (29) = ‐ 4.237, p &lt; 0.05]; mean protein intake (1.23g/kg/day + 0.49) did not differ from the minimum recommendation for athletes (1.2g/kg/day) [t (29) = .390, p = 0.70]. Frequency analysis showed 73.3% of participants consumed an appropriate amount of fat in line with the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) of 20‐35% of total energy intake. The majority of participants (77%; 37/48), thought of themselves as being at a healthy weight range; however, 54% (20/37) of these participants expressed the desire to lose weight or to decrease body fat. A paired sample t‐test showed mean total energy intake (1860 kcal + 748.7) was significantly lower than mean total energy expenditure (3130 kcal + 340.3) [t (29) = 9.293, p &lt; .05], with 90% of participants reporting lower than required energy intake. Lack of adequate energy intake presents problems among athletes, not only pertaining to performance, but regarding general health as well. There is a great need for nutritional education among this particular population.

Performance Enhancing Diets and the PRISE Protocol to Optimize Athletic Performance.

The training regimens of modern-day athletes have evolved from the sole emphasis on a single fitness component (e.g., endurance athlete or resistance/strength athlete) to an integrative, multimode approach encompassing all four of the major fitness components: resistance (R), interval sprints (I), stretching (S), and endurance (E) training. Athletes rarely, if ever, focus their training on only one mode of exercise but instead routinely engage in a multimode training program. In addition, timed-daily protein (P) intake has become a hallmark for all athletes. Recent studies, including from our laboratory, have validated the effectiveness of this multimode paradigm (RISE) and protein-feeding regimen, which we have collectively termed PRISE. Unfortunately, sports nutrition recommendations and guidelines have lagged behind the PRISE integrative nutrition and training model and therefore limit an athletes' ability to succeed. Thus, it is the purpose of this review to provide a clearly defined roadmap linking specific performance enhancing diets (PEDs) with each PRISE component to facilitate optimal nourishment and ultimately optimal athletic performance.

Dietary Intake of Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman Compared to Sports Nutrition Recommendations

Dietary Intake of Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman Compared to Sports Nutrition Recommendations

Sports Dietitians Australia Position Statement: Sports Nutrition for the Adolescent Athlete

It is the position of Sports Dietitians Australia (SDA) that adolescent athletes have unique nutritional requirements as a consequence of undertaking daily training and competition in addition to the demands of growth and development. As such, SDA established an expert multidisciplinary panel to undertake an independent review of the relevant scientific evidence and consulted with its professional members to develop sports nutrition recommendations for active and competitive adolescent athletes. The position of SDA is that dietary education and recommendations for these adolescent athletes should reinforce eating for long term health. More specifically, the adolescent athlete should be encouraged to moderate eating patterns to reflect daily exercise demands and provide a regular spread of high quality carbohydrate and protein sources over the day, especially in the period immediately after training. SDA recommends that consideration also be given to the dietary calcium, Vitamin D and iron intake of adolescent athletes due to the elevated risk of deficiency of these nutrients. To maintain optimal hydration, adolescent athletes should have access to fluids that are clean, cool and supplied in sufficient quantities before, during and after participation in sport. Finally, it is the position of SDA that nutrient needs should be met by core foods rather than supplements, as the recommendation of dietary supplements to developing athletes over-emphasizes their ability to manipulate performance in comparison with other training and dietary strategies.

Food and Fluid Guidelines Before, During, and After Exercise

Athletes who are properly fueled and hydrated before, during, and after exercise can improve training, increase performance, and decrease fatigue. Many commercial products are marketed to athletes and are designed to be consumed at specific periods: before, during, and after exercise. Are these products really necessary? This article reviews the research on nutrition support for the athlete surrounding exercise and discusses the different nutritional needs of the recreational athlete versus the elite athlete. Guidelines for macronutrient intake before, during, and after exercise are provided along with decision trees to help the practitioner guide the athlete to proper fueling strategies. Nutr Today. 2012;47(2):63Y69 D o athletes need to eat before, during, and after exercise for peak performance? Many new products, from bars to gels to drinks, tout the benefits of special foods and fluids to get the most out of a workout or sports competition, but are they necessary for all active people? This article looks at the science behind the recommendations on fueling before the workout, during the workout, and after the workout for recovery. It is important to note that most of the research on food and fluid consumption around exercise was done with competitive athletes, usually highly trained endurance athletes, who are exercising at high intensity for a long duration. Sports nutrition recommendations for elite athletes are extrapolated to recreational athletes who often have very different reasons for exercising. The goal of a competitive athlete is to win and set personal best records. Recreational athletes want to get fit, look good, improve body composition by losing fat and gaining lean muscle mass, and stay healthy. This is not to say that recreational athletes are not competitive; many want to improve their performance, but they usually do not have the time to train for several hours each day (often twice a day) and engage in high-level competitions. Therefore, the nutrition needs of recreational athletes are different than for elite athletes, and nutrition recommendations made for one population may not be appropriate for the other. Sports nutrition research is conducted with highly trained elite athletes, and nutrition recommendations are different for recreational athletes.