NUTD3203 Nutrition for Sports Performance

This topic applies the fundamental concepts of nutritional science to elite sports performance. The relationships between physical performance and specific dietary macro and micro nutrient intakes will be investigated. Emphasis will be placed on food sources of these nutrients, although dietary supplements and nutritional ergogenic aids will also be reviewed. Students will develop skills in critical analysis of the nutrition and exercise science literature as well as experience in assessing nutritional problems for various types of athletes.

This topic aims to:

• Examine the fundamental concepts of nutritional science applied to exercise and elite sports performance
• Develop an understanding of the relationships between diet and sports performance
• Develop the ability to critically analyse the scientific literature in nutrition and sports performance
• Expose students to practical nutritional problems encountered by various types of athletes

1. Outline the fundamental principles of nutrition for elite sports performance
2. Describe specific nutritional requirements for elite endurance, sprint, and strength athletes, vegetarian athletes, athletes who desire to lose weight or bulk up, and athletes who train in extreme environments such as altitude and heat
3. Identify nutritionally vulnerable groups within the sporting population
4. Recognise and critically evaluate common dietary supplements and nutritional ergogenic aids
5. Apply knowledge from nutritional science to the practice of nutrition in sports performance