From the Academy
Position Paper
Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance

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Abstract

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy), Dietitians of Canada (DC), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) that the performance of, and recovery from, sporting activities are enhanced by well-chosen nutrition strategies. These organizations provide guidelines for the appropriate type, amount, and timing of intake of food, fluids, and supplements to promote optimal health and performance across different scenarios of training and competitive sport. This position paper was prepared for members of the Academy, DC, and ACSM, other professional associations, government agencies, industry, and the public. It outlines the Academy’s, DC’s, and ACSM’s stance on nutrition factors that have been determined to influence athletic performance and emerging trends in the field of sports nutrition. Athletes should be referred to a registered dietitian nutritionist for a personalized nutrition plan. In the United States and in Canada, the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a credentialed sports nutrition expert.

Section snippets

Evidence-Based Analysis

This article was developed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) Evidence Analysis Library (EAL) and will outline some key themes related to nutrition and athletic performance. The EAL is a synthesis of relevant nutrition research on important dietetics-related practice questions. The publication range for the evidence-based analysis spanned March 2006 to November 2014. For the details on the systematic review and methodology go to www.andevidencelibrary.com. Figure 1 presents

New Perspectives in Sports Nutrition

The past decade has seen an increase in the number and topics of publications of original research and review, consensus statements from sporting organizations, and opportunities for qualification and accreditation related to sports nutrition and dietetics. This bears witness to sports nutrition as a dynamic area of science and practice that continues to flourish in both the scope of support it offers to athletes and the strength of evidence that underpins its guidelines. Before embarking on a

Energy Requirements, Energy Balance, and Energy Availability

An appropriate energy intake is the cornerstone of the athlete’s diet because it supports optimal body function, determines the capacity for intake of macronutrient and micronutrients, and assists in manipulating body composition. An athlete’s energy intake from food, fluids, and supplements can be derived from weighed/measured food records (typically 3 to 7 days), a multipass 24-hour recall, or from food frequency questionnaires.1 There are inherent limitations with all of these methods, with

Pre-, During-, and Postevent Eating

Strategies implemented in the pre-, during-, and postexercise periods must address a number of goals. First they should support or promote optimal performance by addressing various factors related to nutrition that can cause fatigue and deterioration in the outputs of performance (eg, power, strength, agility, skill, and concentration) throughout or toward the end of the sporting event. These factors include, but are not limited to, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, glycogen depletion,

Vegetarian Athletes

Athletes may opt for a vegetarian diet for various reasons from ethnic, religious, and philosophical beliefs to health, food aversions, and financial constraints or to disguise disordered eating. As with any self-induced dietary restriction, it would be prudent to explore whether the vegetarian athlete also presents with disordered eating or a frank eating disorder.13, 14 A vegetarian diet can be nutritionally adequate containing high intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, soy

Theme 4: Roles and Responsibilities of Sports Dietitians

Sports nutrition practice requires combined knowledge in several topics: clinical nutrition, nutrition science, exercise physiology, and application of evidence-based research. Increasingly, athletes and active individuals seek professionals to guide them in making optimal food and fluid choices to support and enhance their physical performances. An experienced sports dietitian demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to help athletes and teams work toward their

Summary

The following summarizes the evidence presented in this position paper:

  • Athletes need to consume energy that is adequate in amount and timing of intake during periods of high-intensity and/or long-duration training to maintain health and maximize training outcomes. Low energy availability can result in unwanted loss of muscle mass; menstrual dysfunction and hormonal disturbances; suboptimal bone density; an increased risk of fatigue, injury, and illness; impaired adaptation; and a prolonged

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    This article is being published concurrently on the Dietitians of Canada website (www.dietitians.ca/sports) and in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise®. The articles are identical except for minor stylistic and spelling differences in keeping with each journal’s style. Either citation can be used when citing this article.

    This Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada (DC), and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) position statement was adopted by the Academy House of Delegates Leadership Team on July 12, 2000, and reaffirmed on May 25, 2004, and February 15, 2011; approved by DC on November 17, 2015, and approved by the ACSM Board of Trustees on November 20, 2015. This position statement is in effect until December 31, 2019. Position papers should not be used to indicate endorsement of products or services. All requests to use portions of the position or republish in its entirety must be directed to the Academy at [email protected].

    Authors: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: D. Travis Thomas, PhD, RDN, CSSD (College of Health Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington); Dietitians of Canada: Kelly Anne Erdman, MSc, RD, CSSD (Canadian Sport Institute Calgary/University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada); American College of Sports Medicine: Louise M. Burke, OAM, PhD, APD, FACSM (AIS Sports Nutrition/Australian Institute of Sport Australia and Mary MacKillop Institute of Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia).

    Reviewers: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition dietetic practice group (Jackie Buell, PhD, RD, CSSD, ATC Ohio State University, Columbus); Amanda Carlson-Phillips, MS, RD, CSSD (EXOS, Phoenix, AZ); Sharon Denny, MS, RD (Academy Knowledge Center, Chicago, IL); D. Enette Larson-Meyer, PhD, RD, FACSM (University of Wyoming, Laramie); Mary Pat Raimondi, MS, RD (Academy Policy Initiatives & Advocacy, Washington, DC). Dietitians of Canada: Ashley Armstrong, MS, RD (Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler, BC, Canada); Susan Boegman, RD, IOC Dip Sport Nutrition (Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, Victoria, BC, Canada); Susie Langley MS, RD, DS, FDC (retired, Toronto, ON, Canada); Marielle Ledoux, PhD, PDt (professor, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada); Emma McCrudden, MSc (Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler, BC, Canada); Pearle Nerenberg, MSc, PDt (Pearle Sports Nutrition, Montreal, QC, Canada); Erik Sesbreno, RD, IOC Dip Sport Nutrition (Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada). American College of Sports Medicine: Dan Benardot, PhD, RD, LD, FACSM (Georgia State University Atlanta); Kristine Clark, PhD, RDN, FACSM (The Pennsylvania State University, University Park); Melinda M. Manore, PhD, RD, CSSD, FACSM (Oregon State University, Corvallis); Emma Stevenson, PhD (Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom).

    Academy Positions Committee Workgroup: Connie Diekman, MEd, RD, CSSD, LD, FADA, FAND (chair) (Washington University, St Louis, MO); Christine A. Rosenbloom, PhD, RDN, CSSD, FAND (Georgia State University, Atlanta); Roberta Anding, MS, RD, LD, CDE, CSSD, FAND (content advisor) (Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, and Houston Astros MLB Franchise, Houston, TX).

    The authors thank the reviewers for their many constructive comments and suggestions. The reviewers were not asked to endorse this position or the supporting article.

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