Nutritional Science & Dietetics

5. Sports Nutrition and Performance Enhancement

Macronutrients for Energy: Sports nutrition is a specialized field that focuses on optimizing the dietary intake of athletes and active individuals to enhance their physical performance, improve recovery, and support overall health. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the primary macronutrients that fuel athletic performance:

Carbohydrates: These are the body's primary source of energy during exercise. Athletes often "carb-load" before endurance events to ensure their glycogen stores are full.

Proteins: Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Athletes need slightly more protein than sedentary individuals to support their active lifestyle.

Fats: While carbohydrates are the primary energy source during high-intensity exercise, fats are important for endurance athletes and play a role in overall health