ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the nutrient requirements for specific sports, taking into consideration the demands of training and competing in a variety of team and individual sports. The appropriate energy requirement for an athlete is one that strikes a balance between energy intake and energy expenditure such that body mass and body composition are maintained at a level consistent with good health and optimal athletic performance. Dietary energy intake fluctuates daily to reflect an individual’s overall energy expenditure, which varies day to day according to the intensity and duration of physical activity. The energy expenditure during training and competition for team sports varies substantially by sport and by position. Many athletes attempt to gain weight for their sport. Most of these athletes attempt to increase muscle mass in hopes of simultaneously increasing their power. The fluid requirements of athletes generally reflect sweat and urine losses, a volume that may exceed 101/day in athletes exercising in warm environments.
