Nutrition and the allergic athlete

Area of Science:

• Sports Nutrition
• Allergy Management
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Allergic athletes face unique nutritional challenges, requiring diets that support increased demands while excluding allergens.
• Standard athletic nutritional guidelines may not fully address the complexities of managing food allergies in athletes.
• Identifying and managing food triggers is crucial for preventing adverse reactions and optimizing athletic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a nutritional strategy for allergic athletes.
• To address the increased nutrient requirements during athletic activity.
• To provide guidance on identifying problematic foods and necessary supplementation.

Main Methods:

• Reviewing the increased nutritional needs of athletes (water, energy, carbohydrates, B vitamins, protein).
• Assessing electrolyte and iron requirements in the context of athletic activity and sports anemia.
• Evaluating the evidence for ergogenic aids like vitamins C and E, caffeine, and bee pollen in allergic athletes.

Main Results:

• Allergic athletes have heightened needs for water, energy, and carbohydrates, often met by adequate energy intake.
• Electrolyte needs are minimally increased; iron needs require further clarification due to sports anemia.
• Vitamins C and E lack ergogenic support, but vitamin C may influence bronchial reactivity. Caffeine and bee pollen can be detrimental.

Conclusions:

• Nutritional management must balance increased athletic demands with allergen avoidance.
• Careful food selection and potential supplementation are key for allergic athletes.
• Further research is needed on specific nutrient needs and the impact of supplements in this population.