The Key Role of Nutritional Elements on Sport Rehabilitation and the Effects of Nutrients Intake

Abstract

Adequate nutrition is of utmost importance for athletes, especially during rehabilitation after injury in order to achieve fast healing and return to sports. The aim of this narrative review is to define the proper nutritional elements for athletes to meet their needs and facilitate their fast return to sports after surgery or injury, as well as determine the effects of specific nutrients intake. Studies on antioxidants, which are substances that protect against free radicals, for the injured athlete are few and unclear, yet poly-phenols and especially flavonoids might improve healing and inflammation following an injury. Benefits of vitamin C or E on muscle damage are disputable in relevant studies, while optimal levels of vitamin D and calcium contribute to bone healing. Minerals are also essential for athletes. Other supplements suggested for muscle damage treatment and protein synthesis include leucine, creatine, and hydroxymethylbutyrate. Diets that include high-quality products, rich in micronutrients (like vitamins, minerals, etc.) bio-active compounds and other nutritional elements (like creatine) are suggested, while an individualized nutrition program prescribed by a trained dietitian is important. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms of these nutritional elements, especially regarding injury treatment.

Nutritional Strategies in the Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Athletes: A Systematic Integrative Review

“…In fact, health alterations may occur after only 5 days of LEA in women [ 70 ]. It is worth noting that most of the included articles in this integrative review agree with this recommendation to sports practitioners: Avoid EA values <30 kcal/kg FFM/day [ 10 , 13 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 49 , 58 ]. LEA may cause strong alterations in the endocrine system [ 66 ] which encompass disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, thyroid, appetite-regulating and sex hormones (testosterone and progesterone) [ 71 ], decreased insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), increased growth hormone (GH) resistance and cortisol elevations.…”

“…On the other hand, it is known that arachidonic acid not only originates from eicosanoids that participate in the initial inflammatory response, but also gives rise to lipoxins that along with resolvins, protectins, and maresins (derived from EPA and DHA) act as mediators of the resolution of inflammation [ 10 , 49 ]. This suggests that perhaps the ratio of arachidonic acid to the sum [EPA+DHA] is as or more relevant than total omega-3 intake.…”

“…This suggests that perhaps the ratio of arachidonic acid to the sum [EPA+DHA] is as or more relevant than total omega-3 intake. However, arachidonic acid is not the most abundant omega-6 fatty acid in typical diets of industrialized countries [ 10 ], but is a linoleic acid. This latter function reduces the conversion of α-linolenic acid of the omega-3 family to EPA and DHA, thus competing with cell membrane phospholipids [ 49 , 61 ].…”

“…An injury episode can be expressed as the number of injuries that the athlete may suffer per 1000 h of exposure to the risk of injury, both in training and in competition. It is estimated that an average of 3 to 5 million sports injuries occur in a year [ 9 ], with the prevalence being higher during competitions (72.2%) than during training (21.8%) [ 10 ]. For instance, Dupont et al [ 11 ] reported a 6.2 times higher injury rate in soccer players who played two games a week compared to those who played only one, with the majority of injuries (76%) caused by overuse.…”

Nutrition and Physical Activity in Cancer Patients

“…Inactivity and a reduction in energy, macronutrient (proteins, carbohydrates, and fat), and micronutrient intake contribute to the breakdown of muscle proteins and bone weakness. An energy intake of more than 25-30 kcal/kg of body weight and a protein intake ≥ 1.5 g/kg are needed to prevent sarcopenia and malnutrition [3,4]. Nutritional evaluation and periodic nutritional screening should be part of daily clinical practice to prevent and manage malnutrition and sarcopenia.…”