Nutrition

The NCAA reports that disordered eating symptoms occur in approximately 25 percent of collegiate female athletes and 20 percent of male collegiate athletes competing in a diverse range of sports.

Dietary energy (energy that comes from food) not only supports athletic performance but also sustains life. Following an athlete’s participation in exercise, whatever remaining fuel left in their body is used to support the body’s metabolic processes. Thus, when an athlete’s body is not adequately fueled, there is little energy left to support the body’s critical functions following intense training, such as recovery and repair.

NATA Position Statements

Preventing, Detecting, and Managing Disordered Eating in Athlete

Safe Weight Loss and Maintenance Practices in Sport and Exercise

Evaluation of Dietary Supplements for Performance Nutrition

NATA Resources on Nutrition

Fight Injury with Micronutrients infographic (PDF) - July 2018

Clocking Nutrition infographic (PDF) - July 2018

Nutrition for Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation (PDF) - July 2018 NATA News

Healthy Hydration for Young Athletes (PDF) - July 2018 NATA News

Metabolic Syndrome (PDF) - July 2018 NATA News

Female Athlete Triad: Role of the Athletic Trainer in Protecting Athletes at Risk for Low Energy Availability (PDF) - July 2018 NATA News

Dietary Supplement Safety: Risk vs. Reward for Athletes (PDF) - October 2019 NATA News

How Food Insecurity Impacts Student Athletes and How Athletic Trainers Can Help (PFD) - July 2020 NATA News

Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition subgroup of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

SCAN is the largest dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Members are registered dietitians with nutrition expertise in the areas of sports, physical activity, cardiovascular health, wellness, and the prevention and treatment of disordered eating and eating disorders.

Mission: To empower members to be the nation’s food and nutrition leaders through excellence and expertise in nutrition for sports and physical activity, cardiovascular health, wellness, and disordered eating and eating disorders.

Vision: Optimize the nation’s health by providing exceptional nutrition care in sports performance and physical activity, cardiovascular health, wellness, and disordered eating and eating disorders.

Athlete’s Plate: Vegan Diet (pdf)

Athlete’s Plate: Vegetarian Diet (pdf)

Athlete’s Plate: Gluten Free (pdf)

Cutting Weight Handout (pdf)

Allergy Sensitivities Handout (pdf)

Hydration Handout (pdf)

Nutrition Recommendations for Concussion Recovery (pdf)

Nutrition Recommendations for Fractures and Bone Health Recovery (pdf)

Nutrition Recommendations for Immobilization and Surgery Recovery (pdf)

Nutrition Recommendations for Tendon and Ligament Healing (pdf)

NATA News Article: Athletes, Cancer and Nutrition Considerations - Feb. 2016 (pdf)

SCAN Blogspot