ABSTRACT
After studying this chapter, you should be able to:
describe the mechanisms by which nutrient availability may alter the immune response to heavy exercise and training;
describe how poor dietary practices during training and competition may be involved in the aetiology of exercise-induced immune depression;
provide examples of research findings from studies investigating the effects of macronutrient and micronutrient availability on the immune response to heavy exercise and training;
critically evaluate the evidence that diet and nutritional supplements can modify immune responses and reduce infection incidence, severity and duration during heavy training and competition.
