Advances in Understanding the Interplay between Dietary Practices, Body Composition, and Sports Performance in Athletes

Abstract

The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the intricate relationships between nutrition, body composition, and performance. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that many athletes fail to adopt optimal nutritional practices, which can impede their potential achievements. In response, this Special Issue seeks to gather research papers that delve into athletes’ dietary practices and their potential impacts on body composition and sports performance. Additionally, studies focusing on interventions aimed at optimizing dietary habits are encouraged. This paper outlines the key aspects and points that will be developed in the ensuing articles of this Special Issue.

Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Division III Athletes Regarding Personalized Nutrition Plans for Improved Performance—A Qualitative Investigation

“…The analysis of findings from Theme 2, which discusses the perceived benefits of personalized nutrition plans among collegiate athletes, provides insights that align with existing literature in the field. The data support prior research, which consistently shows the positive effects of tailored dietary strategies on athletic performance and overall wellbeing [1,3,66]. Research in sports nutrition has often noted the role of personalized nutrition in improving athletes' physiological adaptations, optimizing nutrient intake, and aiding recovery processes [1,4].…”

“…The socio-cultural context of collegiate athletics often focuses on performance outcomes and competitive success, potentially influencing athletes' priorities and perceptions about nutrition. Historically, sports nutrition has shifted from a focus on macronutrient intake to a more detailed understanding of personalized dietary strategies designed for individual athletes [1,3]. This evolution supports the use of personalized nutrition plans to optimize athletic performance.…”

“…Athletes, especially those in collegiate sports, continually seek methods to optimize their performance and gain a competitive edge [2]. Personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual athletes' needs have emerged as a promising approach in this pursuit [3]. Despite considerable literature on sports nutrition and performance enhancement, a gap exists in understanding Division III athletes' experiences and perspectives regarding personalized nutrition plans.…”

Personalizing Nutrition Strategies: Bridging Research and Public Health

“…The type of protein consumed has a significant impact on the composition of gut microbiota. For instance, protein from red meat and dairy products can increase the abundance of biliary anaerobes and Bacteroides in the gut [ 33 ]. However, the fermentation of animal protein can lead to a reduction in Bacteroide abundance and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, which triggers an intestinal inflammatory cascade and worsens chronic diseases [ 34 ].…”

Editorial: Diet and exercise-induced inflammation

“…For instance, probiotics, prebiotics, or other functional foods are thought to have the potency to modify gut microbiota composition and improve the conditions of the intestinal epithelium and the immune system response to control inflammation, improve energy availability, and ultimately improve performance in athletes ( 5 ). The ongoing research in this field is giving us more insight into how different diets and specific dietary components could attenuate inflammatory biomarkers to benefit the overall performance of elite athletes ( 6 ).…”