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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?
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