What is it about?
Athletes expend greater amounts of energy as a result of their training. The energy needed depends on such factors as training volume and intensity, and it varies during the competition year. Energy requirements should be covered by energy intake adapted to individual needs. Matching energy intake to energy expenditure is an important cornerstone in the diet of athletes and a significant prerequisite for maintaining their health and performance
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Why is it important?
Low energy intake can lead to reduced energy availability. Low energy availability not only has a negative impact on bone metabolism and menstrual cycle, but may also have consequences of hematological, metabolic, psychological, gastrointestinal and immunological nature. This has adverse effects on the performance capacity, training adjustment, concentration and coordination, and can lead to an increased risk of injury.
Perspectives
It should be kept in mind that athletes are not a homogeneous group; there are in fact numerous factors that influence energy and nutrient needs (e.g. body weight, size, body composition, training program). Energy expenditure can be calculated when certain limitations are taken into consideration.
Alexandra Schek
University of Giessen, Germany
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Position of the working group sports nutrition of the German Nutrition Society (DGE): energy needs in sports, German Journal of Sports Medicine, September 2020, Deutsche Zeitschrift Fur Sportmedizin,
DOI: 10.5960/dzsm.2020.451.
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