Why Is Nutritional Focus Essential For Female Athletes?

Optimal nutrition is key to any athletes performance and well-being. Historically, there has been a considerable lack of research on the exercise and nutritional requirements of female athletes. Women differ from men in terms of body composition, size, and hormones; thus, hormonal fluctuations in women can result in differences in nutrient metabolism and potentially impact performance.

In a study of elite rugby players, nearly all women reported menstrual cycle symptoms that they perceived impacted negatively on their performance.

1. Oestrogen is considered an anabolic hormone and linked with improved muscle strength and bone mineral density.

2. Women tend to metabolise more fat and less carbohydrates than men during exercise at the same intensity.

3. What’s important to note is that these changes and their impact on performance are highly personalised to each woman. Women should therefore track their cycles to optimise nutritional and training strategies, enhance performance, and support overall well-being.