Sports Dietitians Australia Position Statement: Sports Nutrition for the Adolescent Athlete

Adolescent athletes should moderate their eating patterns to match daily exercise demands and prioritize high-quality carbohydrate and protein sources.

• Unique nutritional requirements arise from the daily training and growth demands faced by adolescent athletes.
• Dietary education should emphasize long-term health alongside performance.
• High-quality carbohydrate and protein sources are recommended, particularly after training sessions.
• Calcium, Vitamin D, and iron intake should be monitored due to increased risk of deficiency in this population.
• Proper hydration is crucial, with access to clean, cool fluids needed before, during, and after sports activities.
• Core foods are preferred over supplements to meet nutrient needs, as supplements may distract from effective training and dietary strategies.

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