ABSTRACT
I. Introduction................................................................................... 43 II. Dietary Assessment ...................................................................... 44
III. Dietary Guidelines........................................................................ 44 IV. Dietary Standards ......................................................................... 48 V. Dietary Indices .............................................................................. 49
VI. Dietary Recommendations: Basis for Judgment......................... 52 A. Energy Intake........................................................................... 52 B. Carbohydrate Intake ............................................................... 54 C. Protein Intake .......................................................................... 54 D. Fat Intake ................................................................................. 55 E. Vitamin and Mineral ............................................................... 55
VII. Summary........................................................................................ 57 References ............................................................................................... 58
Given the increasing competitiveness of athletics, more and more athletes are eager to learn about and adapt methods for improving their performance. Recognizing the key role played by nutrition in physical performance, athletes are becoming more interested in learning about ways to improve their dietary intakes. Adequate and proper nutrition of athletes is important to meet their energy, essential nutrients and fluid needs. Thus, an assessment of dietary intakes and practices is an important first step when working with athletes with the aim of improving their dietary intakes and performance. It is also advisable to assess athletes’ diets regularly to identify potential
problem areas and prevent seasonal deficiencies, such as those observed with iron.
