Dietitians of Canada

Nutrition for optimal athletic performance

Background

Dietitians can help athletes plan healthy diets. For peak performance, every athlete needs:

• adequate energy from food
• enough fluids to keep the body hydrated
• the right balance of nutrients

Position

Dietitians believe that choosing the right foods, fluids and supplements can help athletes perform at their best. Here is a summary of some of the information found in our joint position paper with the American Dietetic Association and the American College of Sports Medicine.

Meeting energy needs during activity will help athletes:

• replenish glycogen stores
• provide protein to build and repair tissue
• provide essential fatty acids
• provide essential fatty acids

A sports dietitian should provide nutrition advice to athletes. They can work with athletes to help them achieve peak performance by learning:

• What to eat and drink before, during, and after exercise
• How to use nutrition to help with performance and improve recovery time
• When to use sports drinks instead of water
• How to prevent dehydration
• If certain vitamin or mineral supplements are needed
• That ergogenic [performance enhancing] aids should be used with caution only after careful screening for safety.
  

Actions

• In 2009, Dietitians of Canada worked with other nutrition and sport professionals to release a position paper on this topic.
• Our 2009 Nutrition Month Campaign focused Canadian's attention on "eating like a champion" for good health.
• DC profiled to the media sports dietitians volunteering their time and expertise during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games to ensure Canadian athletes were fuelled