Aims and strategies of athletes nutrition

The purpose of providing an adequate food intake for athletes during the training and competition is to: 1) Provide energy reserve for active muscles and other tissues by means of intake of carbohydrates during the periods of activity as well as recovery; 2) Ensure tissue restoration and growth by optimizing intake of proteins and carbohydrates; 3) Prevent occurrence of diseases or injuries, particularly for those involved in endurance sports, which can be accomplished by providing sufficient energy and adequate intake of carbohydrate; 3) Replenish water and minerals. Food supplements for athletes should be considered only after performing careful analysis of food intake that may reveal specific needs. Coffeine, creatinine, and sodium-bicarbonate are supplements with confirmed egrogenic potential in sports. .