Macronutrient Nutrition for Athletes: Evidence-Based Considerations Nutrition is a subject that should be important to every person, young or old, in order to have maximal functionality, health, and overall wellness.
Macronutrient Nutrition for Athletes: Evidence-Based Considerations Nutrition is a subject that should be important to every person, young or old, in order to have maximal functionality, health, and overall wellness. There are basic guidelines that should be followed regarding nutrition in terms of total caloric intake and division of diet into macronutrients which include predominantly carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Along with the macronutrients, there are very important micronutrients, anti-oxidants, and vitamins that are essential for the human body.
These requirements are absolutely essential for athletic success and needed in much higher quantities for athletes in comparison to the general public. In my experience working with many high-school aged athletes, the general trend is that our kids are not eating enough calories as well as not feeding their bodies with what they need for improved athletic performance, overall good health, and decreased injury risk. For the purposes of this review, we will only be discussing macronutrients.
Future reviews will focus on micronutrients and other important aspects of dietary intake for athletic populations. Illustration of basic energy balance equation (courtesy of awpnow.com) There are many factors to consider in athletes when tailoring an individualized nutritional plan. The type of training, financial situation of the family, sex, specific sport of the athlete, weather conditions, genetics, stress levels, and premorbid medical conditions among others can all effect the metabolic intake and utilization of vital food resources for the athlete and should all be considered when advising athletes on dietary choices.
Basic dietary recommendations can be made by physicians and athletic trainers; however, it is recommended to consider referral to a sports nutritionist if the athlete is not making forward gains nutritionally after some basic recommendations. Multiple methods have been utilized in the past to obtain data from athletes of what their diet entails and include measured food amounts for up to one week, food logs, 24 recall of foods, and cell phone applications such as myfitnesspal- all which have limitations on the accuracy of data provided. Additionally, nutritionists use mathematical equations to calculate energy balance using numbers considering the metabolic rate of the athlete, energy utilized, and the amount of food intaken.
These are typically done using the Cunningham or Harris-Benedict equations. The details regarding the mathematics portion of these equations are beyond the scope of this review. Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for the athlete and are required in certain amounts for optimal athletic performance and overall energy during sports.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to evidence-based macronutrient nutritional considerations in the athlete, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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