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Role of Nutrition In Injury Prevention and Treatment

Dana Angelo White, MS RD ATC - Quinnipiac UniversityCATA Symposium

May 2014

+Today’s Session

The injured athlete

Calorie and protein guidelines

Target nutrients

Resources

+The Injured Athlete

Nutrition for performance still needs to be a priority.

Eat to promote optimal healing and recovery.

Emotions are high!

Change of schedule, immobilization, medications and various other factors can easily affect eating habits.

Similar guidelines for preventative measures.

+Energy Balance

Nutrient needs will vary depending on injury.

Central themes:

Don’t stop eating for fear of weight gain.

Injury creates a hyper-metabolic state where calorie and protein needs will increase.

Too few calories may risk a delay in healing.

Balanced diet - nutrient dense foods… Lean protein, F&V, whole grains, low fat dairy, healthy fats. Avoid highly processed, high sugar and/or high fat options.

+Energy Balance

Stay hydrated!

Eat every 2-4 hours throughout the day to help keep energy levels stable.

Have a recovery meal or snack after rehab sessions with an emphasis on healthy carbs and high quality protein.

+Guidelines for Intake

Start with calories and protein

1) Calories Increase needs by: 5 to 10 kcal/kg/day for moderate injuries - soft tissue

strains/sprains 10 to 15 kcal/kg/day for significant trauma such as skeletal

fractures 25 to 30 kcal/kg/day for severe trauma such as major

surgery and head trauma

2) Protein Needs may approach 1.5 to 1.7 grams/kg 127 grams (175# @ 1.6)

3) Make appropriate allotment for carbohydrates and fat

+Promote Healing

Keep calories coming in.

Choose nutrient dense foods.

Stay hydrated.

Use a food log or website/app (MyFitnessPal)to assess intake.

Increase intake of nutrients that promote tissue repair, immune function, and bone health: Protein, Omega-3 fats, Vitamins C, A & D, Calcium

Conservatively consider dietary supplements where appropriate.

+Target Nutrients

Protein Promotes tissue growth, healing Greek yogurt, lean meat/poultry, tofu, beans

Omega-3 Reduce inflammation Salmon, tuna, flax, walnuts, soy EPA and DHA

Vitamin A Cell growth and development Sweet potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, fortified milk and cereals

+Target Nutrients

Vitamin C Wound healing & tissue

repair Fruits and vegetables

Zinc Wound healing &

immunity Fish, meat, poultry,

legumes, eggs, whole grains

Calcium & Vitamin D Bone development &

repair Milk, fortified foods, tofu,

leafy greens, pork, eggs

+Supplements

Treatment of injury (Malinauskas 2007) College athletes 71% rely on ATCs for info about supplements 34% express interest in supplement use for treatment of injury

Contamination (Maughan 2005) As many as 1 in 4 supplements may be contaminated 18.8% of 240 US products tested contained steroids

IOC research (2004) 15% of 634 products tested contained illegal or banned substances

not listed on labels

HFL Sport Science (2007) - Now LGC Group 25% of 52 products tested with small amounts of steroids and other

banned substances

+Resources

Sports Nutrition SCAN Fact Sheets AND (eatright.org) My Sports Dietitian @BobcatNutrition @nclarkrd

Supplements NSF Certified for Sport Drug Free Sport Informed Choice USP

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Questions?