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Effect of meal frequency and timing on physical performance
1Department of Physiology, University of Cape Town Medical School, South Africa.
The British Journal of Nutrition
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Optimizing sports nutrition involves strategic timing and frequency of food intake. This approach helps athletes manage energy needs and maximize carbohydrate availability for enhanced exercise performance and recovery.
Area of Science:
- Sports Nutrition
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Athletes often have high energy demands.
- Optimizing carbohydrate (CHO) availability is key for performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how food and fluid intake timing and frequency can improve athletic performance.
- To address energy intake and CHO availability in athletes.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on eating periodicity in sports nutrition.
- Analysis of strategies for energy intake and CHO provision.
Main Results:
- Frequent eating aids athletes in increasing energy intake and reducing gastric discomfort.
- Strategic CHO intake (pre-, during, post-exercise) is crucial for glycogen re-synthesis and sustained energy.
Conclusions:
- Timing and frequency of nutrient intake are critical for athletes.
- Effective nutritional periodization enhances exercise capacity and performance.