| Description |
Physiological adaptations to exercise by the circulatory and respiratory systems allow working muscles an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients and an efficient elimination of carbon dioxide. In the cell, oxygen reacts with the nutrients to form carbon dioxide and water. In the process, kilocalories of energy are released and packaged into ATP and other energy-rich phosphagens. Some nutrients, chiefly carbohydrate, are stored as muscle glycogen, and these stores become an important substrate for the production of energy during prolonged, strenuous exercise. Dietary manipulation to deplete muscle glycogen depots, then to replete stores permits a massive and maximal increase in levels of muscle glycogen which is of extreme importance to athletes in endurance activities where "staying power" determines the quality and outcome of their performance. Related research dealing with highly specific aspects of nutrition and endurance performance is discussed, and an appendix of additional readings in other topics in nutrition for athletes is presented. |
