researcher who are interested in the nutritional
needs of the female athlete. Since macronutrient
dietary guidelines for athletes have been
based on male subjects and micronutrient needs
derived from non-athletic populations, the
researcher has the opportunity to explore these
needs of the female athlete, while faced with
the challenge of understanding and controlling
for the hormonal influences on metabolism. The
sports nutritionist is presented with opportuni-
ties to systematically collect food intakes and
supplementation information from female ath-
letes, yet challenged with the lack of dietary
guidelines specifically designed for the female
athlete.
Presently, information obtained from a thor-
ough diet, supplement and health history,
3–5-day food record, and training schedule; esti-
mation of energy expenditure during exercise;
plus anthropometric and biochemical data can
provide a good basis for providing appropriate
nutritional advice. Observation of the female
athlete while training and competing, as well as
during meal times, can also help to understand
better the energy and nutrient requirements of
the individual.
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