INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS NUTRITION

Lona Sandon, M.Ed., R.D., L.D.Assistant Professor, UT SouthwesternSpring 2012

OBJECTIVES

Define the term sports nutrition. Identify the roles and responsibilities of

sports dietitians. Outline the requirements for becoming a

Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. Identify additional credentials or degrees

beneficial for RD’s working with athletes. List important factors to consider in providing

individualized sports nutrition counseling.

WHAT IS SPORTS NUTRITION?

Nutrition science + exercise science Aim to optimize physical performance

via: Adequate calories to fuel activity Adequate nutrients for tissue building and

repair Appropriate food and fluid choices Timing of food and fluid intake

WHO CAN BENEFIT?

Active individuals Recreational

athletes Elite athletes Coaches/trainers Parents of young

athletes

WHAT DO SPORTS RD’S DO?

Provide nutrition assessment, intervention, monitoring, & evaluation

Provide nutrition education on food choices & preparation

Identify nutritional issues that affect performance

Develop menu plans for pre & post training

Stay abreast of current research

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES?

Personalize nutrition strategies Advise on use, safety, & legality

of dietary supplements & sports foods

Develop nutrition strategies to prevent fatigue & illness, while promoting recovery

Identify disordered eating patterns in athletes

Work with coaches & trainers

WHAT FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED? Health & medical history Energy & substrate utilization of the

sport Understand training & competition

schedules Social environment – living conditions,

travel schedule, budget What is practical for the athlete What are the athletes goals, questions,

concerns

WHAT IS A CSSD?

Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics 2 years experience as RD 1500 hours experiences Pass CSSD exam Must maintain RD status http://www.scandpg.org/sports-nu

trition/sports-nutrition-who-delivers/

Completing a specialty exam will meet 75 CEU’s

WHAT IS SCAN?

Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition Dietetics Practice Group Sub units

Sports Nutrition Cardiovascular/Wellness Disordered eating

> 5000 members http://www.scandpg.org/

WHAT OTHER CREDENTIALS OR DEGREES?

Public Health or Health Education

Exercise Science Personal Trainer or Fitness

Instructor American College of Sports

Medicine (ACSM) www.acsm.org

American Council on Exercise (ACE) www.acefitness.org

REFERENCES

Fink HH, Burgoon LA, Mikesky AE, eds. Practical Applications in Sports Nutrition. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett; 2006.

Nutrition and athletic performance - Position of the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine. J Am Diet Assoc. 2009;109:509-527. Accessed December 1, 2011 from: http://www.eatright.org/About/Content.aspx?id=8365

Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association. 2010. Accessed December 1, 2011 from: http://www.scandpg.org/