ABSTRACT
Paralympic athletes compete in a wide range of events and performance levels and with wide-ranging functionality. Some Para athletes have very similar needs to athletes competing in corresponding able-bodied events. Others require bespoke modifications to suit their individual characteristics. This chapter reviews the considerations to be given to energy needs, macronutrient requirements, micronutrient requirements, capacity to eat and drink around training sessions, potentially altered thermoregulation and medical circumstances when supporting Para athletes to perform. Some sports nutrition practices such as body composition assessment and hydration testing may require modification for some Para athletes. Research focusing on the specific needs of different types of Para athletes is needed to support continual improvements.
