The American Dietetic Association (ADA) just released their statement paper regarding sports nutrition recommendations for 2009.   Below is a summary of what they have to say.

This is the Official Statement that was released:
“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.”

Other Key Points from the paper:
•    Total calorie intake, carbohydrate, and protein requirements are most important for an athlete to meet in order to maintain body weight, prevent injury, and avoid muscle loss.

•    Fat is important to athletes and should not fall below 20% of an athlete’s total calorie intake.

•    Food should be the primary source to meet all performance needs of an athlete. Supplements are not recommended as all needs are better met through a balanced diet.

•    Food and fluids before, during, and after exercise are important for an athlete to maximize performance and recovery.

•    Performance is affected by hydration status. Fluid should be consumed at a rate adequate to offset dehydration, but prevent over-hydration. Additional electrolytes may also be necessary during performance to ensure adequate hydration, especially in hot/humid conditions and altitude.

•    Athletes are encouraged to seek advice regarding their nutrition from only Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).

If you would like to read ADA’s statement in full,

Click this link to download the pdf:
http://www.eatright.org/ada/files/performancenp.pdf

or follow this link:
http://www.eatright.org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/hs.xsl/advocacy_15986_ENU_HTML.htm