Timing nutrient intake for peak performance: Lessons for the industry

The concept of nutrient timing still has a place among the supplements and recovery aids that make up the sports nutrition sector, as an expert believes manufacturers can harness its principles to enhance a product's effectiveness.

“Manufacturers can help athletes to recover better,” insisted Dr Fernando Naclerio, principal lecturer in strength training and sports nutrition at the University of Greenwich.

“The best course of action is to consumer high-qualifying food, including proportionally appropriate amounts of macronutrients to provide the athlete with what they need to aid in recovery.

Speaking at this year’s Vitafoods in Geneva, Dr Naclerio advocates a nutritional strategy, which involves the consumption of nutrients such as protein and carbohydrate, particularly during the post-exercise period.

This window of opportunity is not only crucial in the rebuilding of damaged muscle tissue; it does so in a way that enhances body composition and athletic performance.

In addition, when specific nutrients are consumed, in what form and ratio has also proved significant in helping to build up a robustness that contributes to reduce incidents of injury.

“From a practical point of view timing nutrient consumption and their distribution, with a special focus on what to eat after training is needed.

“From this point of view, supplementation or looking for a good, high-quality multi-nutrient food would be beneficial for athletes.”