Question

Dietary modifications are essential for a sportsperson. Explain this statement using examples.

Discuss the dietary modifications for sportspersons.

Answer 1

1. Dietary changes are necessary for athletes since their nutritional needs differ from those of non-athletes due to the physical demands of training and competition. Athletes require a balanced and carefully structured diet to fuel their training, enhance performance, promote recovery, and maintain overall health.
2. High-intensity or endurance activities require instant energy from glycogen-stored carbohydrates. Due to intensive training that breaks down muscle fibres, athletes require more protein to restore and develop muscles.
3. Staying hydrated is important for sports performance and fatigue prevention because athletes sweat. For optimal sports performance, vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and magnesium, help muscular function, bone health, and oxygen delivery.
4. Thus, athletes must make dietary changes to match their sport's physical and metabolic demands while lowering injury risk and saving long-term health.
5. For example:
   1. Athletes require a larger carbohydrate intake to feed their muscles and maintain energy levels during endurance events such as marathon running.
   2. Proteins are essential for muscle regeneration and recovery, particularly for strength athletes like weightlifters.
   3. Sportspeople may need to adapt their fat intake, which provides a long-term energy supply during intense workouts like cycling.
   4. Hydration is also important, as athletes adapt their fluid intake to avoid dehydration during intense workouts.

Therefore, Dietary modifications can help optimise performance, improve recovery, and prevent injuries.