A Framework for Periodized Nutrition for Athletics

Abstract

Over the last decade, in support of training periodization, there has been an emergence around the concept of nutritional periodization. Within athletics (track and field), the science and art of periodization is a cornerstone concept with recent commentaries emphasizing the underappreciated complexity associated with predictable performance on demand. Nevertheless, with varying levels of evidence, sport and event specific sequencing of various training units and sessions (long [macrocycle; months], medium [mesocycle; weeks], and short [microcycle; days and within-day duration]) is a routine approach to training periodization. Indeed, implementation of strategic temporal nutrition interventions (macro, meso, and micro) can support and enhance training prescription and adaptation, as well as acute event specific performance. However, a general framework on how, why, and when nutritional periodization could be implemented has not yet been established. It is beyond the scope of this review to highlight every potential nutritional periodization application. Instead, this review will focus on a generalized framework, with specific examples of macro-, meso-, and microperiodization for the macronutrients of carbohydrates, and, by extension, fat. More specifically, the authors establish the evidence and rationale for situations of acute high carbohydrate availability, as well as the evidence for more chronic manipulation of carbohydrates coupled with training. The topic of periodized nutrition has made considerable gains over the last decade but is ripe for further scientific progress and field application.

Contemporary Nutrition Strategies to Optimize Performance in Distance Runners and Race Walkers

“…Programs of Distance Athletes "Periodized nutrition," the strategic combination of nutrition and exercise to optimize training adaptations and competition performance (Jeukendrup, 2017a), is explained in relation to Athletics by Stellingwerff et al (2019). In distance events, a variety of strategies, often in apparent conflict with each other but nevertheless targeted at enhancing the specific session or training phase, should be integrated into the annual, meso, and microcycles of training according to the athletes' individualized and changing goals.…”

Post‐exercise carbohydrate and energy availability induce independent effects on skeletal muscle cell signalling and bone turnover: implications for training adaptation

“…; Stellingwerff et al . ). Over the last decade, a multitude of research designs examining the train‐low approach (e.g.…”

“…The concept of deliberately promoting reduced carbohydrate (CHO) availability to enhance endurance training induced adaptations of skeletal muscle (i.e. the 'train-low' paradigm) is gaining increased acceptance amongst athletic populations (Bartlett et al 2015;Marquet et al 2016;Burke et al 2018;Stellingwerff et al 2019). Over the last decade, a multitude of research designs examining the train-low approach (e.g.…”

“…This point is especially relevant given that many endurance athletes present daily with transient periods of both CHO and calorie restriction due to multiple training sessions per day as well as longer term periods (i.e. weeks) of sub-optimal energy availability (Vogt et al 2005;Fudge et al 2006;Stellingwerff et al 2019).…”

Investigation of the Effect of Free Sugar Consumption on Oral and Dental Health in Athletes

“…Ancak sporcuların spor performansını artırmak için basit şeker içeren besinleri sıklıkla tükettikleri ve bu nedenle sporcularda diş çürüğünün yaygın olarak görüldüğü bildirilmektedir. 25,26 Ağız ve diş sağlığı ile ilgili hastalıklar sporcularda yaygın olarak görülen kronik hastalıklar olup, ağız hastalıklarının sistemik hastalıklar ile olan ilişkisi yapılan çalışmalar ile gösterilmiştir. 27,28 Bu nedenle sporcularda var olabilecek diş çürüklerinin spor performansını negatif etkileyebileceği unutulmamalı ve basit şeker tüketim miktarının artmasının ağız diş sağlığını negatif etkileyerek bu döngüde olumsuz rol alabileceği göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır.…”