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CHICAGO – The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position statement on nutrition and athletic performance, developed with Dietitians of Canada and the American College of Sports Medicine, which emphasizes the importance of foods, fluids and supplement choices in health and exercise.
The statement is designed to provide guidance for health professionals and coaches in optimizing nutritional intake for both elite and recreational athletes. The statement recommends a qualified sports dietitian (in particular in the United States, a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics – the premier professional sports nutrition credential, offered by ADA’s Commission on Dietetic Registration) provide individualized nutrition direction and advice subsequent to a comprehensive nutrition assessment.
The position statement is:It is the position of the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada and the American College of Sports Medicine that physical activity, athletic performance and recovery from exercise are enhanced by optimal nutrition. These organizations recommend appropriate selection of foods and fluids, timing of intake and supplement choices for optimal health and exercise performance.
The position statement uses an evidence-based approach in making nutrition recommendations in the areas of energy balance and body composition, training, competition and recovery. The statement, with its accompanying review of the most current science regarding nutrition and athletic performance, is published in the March Journal of the American Dietetic Association and has been endorsed by the Coaching Association of Canada.
The paper was co-authored by American Dietetic Association members and registered dietitians Nancy Rodriguez, professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Connecticut – Storrs, representing the American College of Sports Medicine; Nancy DiMarco, professor of nutrition and food sciences at Texas Woman’s University, representing the American Dietetic Association; and Susie Langley, sports nutrition consultant in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, representing Dietitians of Canada.
The statement incorporates new topics and additional information on energy metabolism, estimation of energy needs, assessment methodology for body composition and considerations for the vegetarian athlete.
A section on dietary supplements and ergogenic aids has been significantly expanded to include information on the effectiveness of legal supplements such as creatine, caffeine, sport drinks, energy bars and gels, sodium bicarbonate and protein and amino acid supplements. Also included is an overview on government regulation and the role of sporting organizations regarding the legality of such aids.
The statement cautions that, because regulations specific to nutritional aids are poorly enforced, “they should be used with caution and only after careful product evaluation for safety, efficacy, potency and legality.”
According to the statement: “Vitamin and mineral supplements are not needed if adequate calories to maintain body weight is consumed from a variety of foods. However, athletes who restrict calorie intake, use severe weight-loss practices, eliminate one or more food groups from their diet or consume unbalanced diets with low micronutrient density may require supplements.”
Additional key points of the statement include:
- Calorie and macronutrient needs, especially carbohydrate and protein, must be met during times of high physical activity to maintain body weight, replenish energy stores and provide adequate protein to build and repair tissue.
- Fat intake should be sufficient to provide essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, as well as contribute calories for weight maintenance.
- Adequate amounts of food and fluids should be consumed before, during and after exercise to help maintain blood glucose concentration during exercise, maximize exercise performance and improve recovery time.
- Athletes should be well-hydrated before exercise and drink enough fluid during and after exercise to balance fluid losses. The hydration section recommends customizing hydration schedules for active individuals.
- Sports beverages containing carbohydrates and electrolytes may be consumed before, during and after exercise to help maintain blood glucose concentration, provide fuel for muscles and decrease risk of dehydration.
The American Dietetic Association is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org.
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 35,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. Visit the American College of Sports Medicine at www.acsm.org.
Dietitians of Canada is the national professional association representing almost 6,000 dietitians in Canada who are recognized food and nutrition health professionals serving the public as educators, policy makers, researchers and managers. For trusted information on nutrition and healthy eating and to register to receive DC’s regular nutrition updates, visit www.dietitians.ca.
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Forwarded By, Natalie Pyles
Fitness & Nutritional Expert, Author, Speaker
Call Me For Your FREE Consultation Today! 1-800-681-9894 480-212-1947 or e-mail fitnesselementsassociates@yahoo.com
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