Authors : Nisal A.
Page Nos : 43-48
Description :
Nutrition is the back bone of sports performance. This science is increasingly recognized as a
key component of optimal sporting performance. Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts need the same
essential nutrients that non
-
acti
ve people need with varied increases in their caloric needs as well as
some increase in macro and micronutrients. Therefore, it is essential to explore and assess these
increased nutritional needs of athletes before, during, and after competition for achie
ving optimal sports
performance. Success in sports depends on three factors
-
genetic endowments, the state of training and
nutrition. Genetic make
-
up cannot be changed. Specialized exercise training is the major means to
improve athletic performance and p
roper nutrition is an important component of the total training
programme. Nutrition for female athletes is not very different from that or male athletes. But care has to
be taken in respect of calcium and iron intake because of the additional physiologica
l demands of female
athletes. In addition, meals should be rich in B12, folate and zinc.
