ABSTRACT
The energetic, biomechanical, physiological, and psychological demands imposed by exercise are substantial. Appropriate nutritional habits and selected nutritional interventions can enhance performance, delay muscle fatigue, accelerate recovery, enhance uptake of important nutrients, and achieve individual performance goals. This chapter provides key information on nutritional considerations for optimizing performance for able-bodied athletes by describing energy sources, pathways, and needs; presents current knowledge with regard to nutrient timing; and reviews various nutritional topics, including hydration, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements (Table 15.1).
