Food Biotechnology Sports Nutrition

Food Biotechnology Sports Nutrition
Continuation…
By: Angelo Palmero

Supplements in Sports Nutrition
Sports supplements and foods are unregulated products marketed
to enhance athletic performance. According to the Academy of Sports
Medicine, “the ethical use of sports supplements is a personal choice
and remains controversial.”
There are limited supplements backed by clinical research.

The Australian Institute of Sport has provided a general guide ranking
sports performance supplements and foods according to the
significance of scientific evidence:
Supplements in Sports Nutrition
• Sports food: sports drinks, bars, and gels, electrolyte supplements,
protein supplements, liquid meal supplements
• Medical supplements: iron, calcium, vitamin D, multi-vitamin/

mineral, omega-3 fatty acids
• Performance supplements: creatine, caffeine, sodium bicarbonate,

beta-alanine, nitrate
Special Circumstances
Sports nutrition covers a wide spectrum of needs for athletes. Certain
populations and environments require additional guidelines and
information to enhance athletic performance.
Vegetarian Athlete
• A vegetarian diet contains high intakes of plant proteins, fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. It can be nutritionally adequate,
but insufficient evidence exists on long-term vegetarianism and
athletic performance.
Special Circumstances
High Altitude
• Specialized training and nutrition are required for athletes training at
high altitude. Increasing red blood cells to carry more oxygen is
essential. Iron-rich foods are an important component of this athlete
as well.
• Increased risk of illness is indicated with chronic high altitude
exposure. Foods high in antioxidants and protein are essential. Fluid
requirements will vary per athlete, and hydration status should be
individually monitored.
Hot Environments
Athletes competing in hot conditions are at greater risk of heat
illness. Heat illness can have adverse health complications. Fluid and
electrolyte balance is crucial for these athletes.
Cold Environments
Primary concerns for athletes exercising in thee cold are adequate
hydration and body temperature. Leaner athletes are at higher risk of
hypothermia. Modifying caloric and carbohydrate intake is important
for this athlete. Appropriate foods and fluids that withstand cold
temperatures will promote optimal athletic performance.
Eating Disorders and Deficiencies
Eating disorders in athletes are not uncommon. Many athletes are
required to maintain lean bodies and low body weight and exhibit
muscular development. Chronic competitive pressure can create
psychological and physical stress of the athlete leading to disordered
eating habits.
Without proper counseling, adverse health effects may eventually

develop. The most common eating disorders among athletes may
include:
• Anorexia nervosa
• Bulimia
• Compulsive exercise disorder
• Orthorexia
Obviously, the nutritional needs of these individuals greatly
differ from that of other active adults or athletes. Until
someone with an eating disorder is considered well again, the
primary focus should be put on treating and managing the
eating disorder and consuming the nutrition needed to
achieve and maintain good health, rather than athletic
performance.
Additionally, athletes often restrict calories and certain food groups,
which may potentially lead to deficiencies of essential micronutrients.
Research indicates the most common micronutrient deficiencies include:
• Iron deficiency can impair muscle function and compromise athletic

performance
• Vitamin D deficiency can result in decreased bone strength and reduced
muscle metabolic function
• Calcium deficiency can impair the repair of bone tissue, decrease
regulation of muscle contraction, and reduce nerve conduction
Roles of a Sports Dietitian
Athletes and active adults are seeking guidance from sports
professionals to enhance their athletic performance. Sports dietitians
are increasingly hired to develop nutrition and fluid programs catered
to the individual athlete or teams.
A unique credential has been created for sports nutrition

professionals: Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).
Sports dietitians should have knowledge in the following areas:
• Clinical nutrition
• Counseling for health and athletic performance
• Design and management of effective nutrition strategies
• Effective nutrition programming for health, fitness, and optimal physical performance
• Evidence-based research
• Exercise physiology
• Medical nutrition therapy
• Nutrition science
• Safe and effective nutrition assessments
• Sports nutrition guidance
A Word From Verywell
You may be an active adult exercising for health improvement or
competitive athletes. Whatever the case, sports nutrition will play an
important role in your success. Eating for goals is what sports nutrition
is all about. It can help enhance athletic performance, improve exercise
recovery, and make reaching your goals possible.
References
• https://
www.verywellfit.com/fitness-sports-nutrition-4157142#toc-suppleme
nts-in-sports-nutrition

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Food Biotechnology Sports Nutrition

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Food Biotechnology Sports Nutrition

By: Angelo Palmero

There are limited supplements backed by clinical research.

• Medical supplements: iron, calcium, vitamin D, multi-vitamin/

• Performance supplements: creatine, caffeine, sodium bicarbonate,

Without proper counseling, adverse health effects may eventually

• Compulsive exercise disorder

• Iron deficiency can impair muscle function and compromise athletic

A unique credential has been created for sports nutrition

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