scope:

Preface

Many recreational, collegiate, and professional athletes in the U.S. and other developed countries consume more fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol in their diets than is recommended. Many of these athletes consume more than the minimal amount of protein to meet their needs. This book addresses the recommendations for fat and protein intakes for athletes and the general population that have been published by organizations and professionals. Critical reviews of these topics that are of upmost importance to athletes and professionals working with athletes are included in this book.

The quantity and types of fats in the diet have an influence on energy intake, health, and physical performance. Certain quantities of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are needed for good health. High intakes of total fat, saturated fats, and to a lesser extent cholesterol have been reported to increase the risk of obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and perhaps other chronic diseases such as cancer.

The quantity and quality of proteins in the diet also influence energy intake, health, and physical performance. Many athletes take protein or amino acid supplements, and evidence exists that some of these supplements may be or are beneficial to physical performance.

Fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are all energy-yielding nutrients. What is the appropriate amount of each of these energy-yielding nutrients that athletes should consume for optimal physical performance and overall health?

This volume includes a collection of chapters written by scientists from several academic disciplines that have expertise in an area of fat or protein nutrition as it relates to exercise and sports. The introductory chapter is followed by chapters on:

• Various dietary fats (lipids) and fatty acids: total fats, saturated fats, and cholesterol; medium-chain triglycerides; omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids; conjugated linoleic acid (CLA); and wheat germ oil and octacosanol
• Protein quality, various protein supplements, and selected amino acid supplements: protein - quantity and quality; whey, casein, and soy proteins; creatine; glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate; carnitine; β -hydroxy- β -methylbutyrate (HMB); branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs); glutamine; and other individual amino acids
• Recommended proportions of carbohydrates to fats to proteins in the diet

Sports nutritionists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, researchers, students, dietitians and other health practitioners, and the well-informed layman will find this book timely and informative.