A.2.2SL + HL
Fuelling for health and performance
Guiding question: How does what an athlete eats, and when, change how well they train, compete and stay healthy?
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A.2.2.1
Macronutrients and energy availability
Carbohydrate, fat and protein supply energy and building material. Athletes match intake to training load; when intake falls too far short, low energy availability can lead to RED-S.
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Key terms
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Check yourself
Quick check
1.Which are possible consequences of prolonged low energy availability (LEA)? I. Impaired metabolic function II. Reduced bone density III. Disrupted reproductive hormones
2.Which macronutrient provides the most energy per gram?
3.Which statement describes glycogen?
A.2.2.2 · HL only
Micronutrients
Vitamins and minerals provide no energy, but they let the body release energy and build tissue. Iron for oxygen transport and calcium for bone are key examples.
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Key terms
Match each term to its meaning.
Tap a term, then tap its meaning.
Check yourself
Quick check
1.Which mineral is a component of both haemoglobin and myoglobin?
2.A young gymnast's diet contains very few dairy products or other calcium-rich foods. Which long-term effect is this most likely to have?
3.Which statement best describes the role of vitamins in exercise?
A.2.2.3 · HL only
The gut microbiome
Trillions of microorganisms in the gut help digest food, support immunity and affect health. Diet, sleep, stress, travel and medicines such as antibiotics all change it.
Check yourself
Quick check
1.Which factors influence the composition of an individual’s gut microbiome? I. Diet II. Medications such as antibiotics III. Genetics
2.An endurance runner completes a course of antibiotics two weeks before a marathon. What is the most likely effect on their gut microbiome?
3.How can the gut microbiome influence an athlete’s performance?
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