Nutrient Timing

Abstract

Nutrient timing is a popular strategy used by athletes, coaches, and researchers to maximize performance and the adaptations resulting from exercise training. Ingestion of key nutrients before, during, and after various forms of exercise has been shown to favorably impact a number of factors that go on to effect health, performance, and recovery. Research in this area is rapidly expanding, and fi ndings are changing on an annual basis. This chapter is broken into sections discussing current recommendations and scientifi c fi ndings concerning the administration of macronutrients, micronutrients, and other non-nutrients before, during, and after both endurance and resistance exercise. Finally, recommendations are put forth regarding when to employ various strategies, as well as whether certain strategies are worthy of consideration. Key points related to protein timing, caffeine timing, meal patterns, and caloric distribution are all covered in this chapter.