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UCI Sports Nutrition Project: Nutritional Periodization: Strategies to Enhance Training Adaptation and Recovery
James P Morton1, Mark Hearris2, Marc J Fell3
1Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
|October 23, 2025
Summary
Nutritional periodization strategically manipulates energy and nutrients to enhance athletic training adaptations and performance. Elite athletes must tailor nutrient intake, including protein and carbohydrates, to specific training demands for optimal results.
Area of Science:
- Sports Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
Background:
- Nutrition is crucial for providing energy and substrates to support training volume and intensity.
- Nutrient availability influences cell signaling pathways regulating endurance and strength adaptations.
- Nutritional periodization is a strategic approach to manipulate nutrient intake for optimal training outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of nutritional periodization in athletic training.
- To highlight the importance of timing and composition of nutrient intake.
- To emphasize the integration of sports nutritionists into athlete support teams.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on nutritional periodization.
- Analysis of nutrient timing, macronutrient manipulation, and micronutrient considerations.
- Examination of protein intake recommendations and the role of nutraceuticals.
Main Results:
- Nutritional periodization optimizes training adaptations, recovery, body composition, and performance.
- Carbohydrate periodization is essential, requiring meal-by-meal and day-by-day adjustments.
- Daily protein intake of 1.6-2.1 g·kg-1·day-1 is recommended for tissue remodeling and to offset amino acid oxidation.
Conclusions:
- Nutrition is a critical factor for successful training outcomes.
- Strategic nutrient manipulation, including carbohydrate and protein intake, enhances athletic performance.
- Sports nutritionists play an integral role in athlete coaching and performance support.
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