Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietitians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine: Nutrition and Athletic Performance

• Published in: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Vol. 116; no. 3; pp. 501 - 528
• Main Authors: Thomas, D. Travis, Erdman, Kelly Anne, Burke, Louise M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.2016
• Subjects: Academies and Institutes; Alcohol Drinking; athletes; Athletic Performance; Body Composition; Body Weight; Canada; Dietary Carbohydrates - administration & dosage; Dietary Fats - administration & dosage; Dietary Proteins - administration & dosage; Dietary Supplements; Dietetics; dietitians; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism; Evidence-Based Medicine; Exercise; food intake; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; government agencies; guidelines; Humans; industry; Internal Medicine; medicine; Micronutrients - administration & dosage; Nutritional Status; Nutritionists; Physical Endurance; Recommended Dietary Allowances; sports; sports nutrition; Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; United States; Water-Electrolyte Balance; Canada; United States
• ISSN: 2212-2672; 2212-2680
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2015.12.006

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy), Dietitians of Canada (DC), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) that the performance of, and recovery from, sporting activities are enhanced by well-chosen nutrition strategies. These organizations provide guidelines for the appropriate type, amount, and timing of intake of food, fluids, and supplements to promote optimal health and performance across different scenarios of training and competitive sport. This position paper was prepared for members of the Academy, DC, and ACSM, other professional associations, government agencies, industry, and the public. It outlines the Academy’s, DC’s, and ACSM’s stance on nutrition factors that have been determined to influence athletic performance and emerging trends in the field of sports nutrition. Athletes should be referred to a registered dietitian nutritionist for a personalized nutrition plan. In the United States and in Canada, the Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a credentialed sports nutrition expert.