Nutritional recommendations for divers.

Area of Science:

• Sports Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology
• Diving Science

Background:

• Competitive divers require optimal energy and nutrient intake for performance, power-to-weight ratio, and health.
• Concerns exist regarding divers' focus on body weight, potentially leading to inadequate dietary intake and low energy availability.
• Low energy availability is linked to micronutrient deficiencies, fatigue, injuries, and diminished athletic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the nutritional requirements for competitive divers.
• To highlight the risks associated with restrictive dietary practices in diving.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for diver nutrition.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on sports nutrition and diving.
• Estimation of energy requirements based on training demands for male and female divers.
• Analysis of macronutrient (carbohydrate, protein) and micronutrient needs.
• Consideration of hydration strategies and supplementation.

Main Results:

• Estimated daily energy needs: 3,500 kcal for males, 2,650 kcal for females.
• Recommended carbohydrate intake: 3-8 g/kg/day, higher for growth.
• Recommended protein intake: 1.2-1.7 g/kg/day, evenly distributed and timed post-training.
• Emphasis on nutrient-dense foods, adequate hydration, and potential supplementation (calcium, iron) under medical supervision.

Conclusions:

• Divers must prioritize sufficient energy and nutrient intake to support performance and health.
• Avoiding restrictive diets is crucial to prevent negative health outcomes and performance decrements.
• A multidisciplinary sports medicine team approach is recommended for optimal diver care, including nutrition and hydration support.