Nutritional Aids

Question 1

Nutritional Aids

Answer 1

Substances, foods or drinks used to enhance athletic performance.

Question 2

Hydration (Hypotonic) - legal

Answer 2

Benefits:
- replaces lost fluid from sweating
- provides hydration without energy boost
- low concentration of glucose to blood stream

Risks - Dehydration can cause:
- decreased heat regulation
increased body temperature
- increased blood viscosity
- increased HR
- increased fatigue
- decreased cognitive function and skill level
- cramping

Question 3

Hydration (Hypertonic) - legal

Answer 3

Benefits:
- absorbed at slower rate than water
- used post excersise to maximum glycogen replacement
- drinks contain higher concentration of glucose than bloodstream

Risks - Dehydration can cause:
- decreased heat regulation
increased body temperature
- increased blood viscosity
- increased HR
- increased fatigue
- decreased cognitive function and skill level
- cramping

Question 4

Hydration (Isotonic) - legal

Answer 4

Benefits:
- absorbed at same rate as water
- quickly rehydrate and supply energy
- equal concentration of glucose to bloodstream

Risks - Dehydration can cause:
- decreased heat regulation
increased body temperature
- increased blood viscosity
- increased HR
- increased fatigue
- decreased cognitive function and skill level
- cramping

Question 5

Carbohydrate Loading - legal

Answer 5

Benefits:
- increased glycogen stores
- increased endurance capacity
- delays fatigue
- increases time to exhaustion by up to 30%

Risks:
- hypoglycaemia in depletion phase
- poor recovery rates in depletion phase
- lethargy and irritability in deletion phase
- gastrointestinal problems
- increased risk of injury
- affects mental preparation pre-competition

Question 6

Creatine - legal

Answer 6

Benefits:
- increased PC stores
- increased fuel for very high intensity energy production
- increased intensity and duration of training
- increased maximum and explosive strength

Risks:
- increased weight gain
- increased water retention
- muscle cramps
- gastrointestinal problems
- long term effects of health are unclear

Question 7

Caffeine - legal

Answer 7

Benefits:
- increased nervous stimulation
- increased focus and concentration
- increased mobilisation of fats
- increased endurance performance
- faster reaction times
- preservation of muscle glycogen

Risks:
- diuretic effect can lead to dehydration
- insomnia and anxiety
- gastrointestinal problems

Question 8

Bicarbonates - legal

Answer 8

Benefits:
- increased buffering capacity
- increased tolerance to lactic acid
- delayed OBLA
- increased intensity and duration of performance

Risks:
- possible gastrointestinal problems
- unpleasant taste which can cause nausea

Question 9

Nitrates - legal

Answer 9

Benefits:
- decreased blood pressure
- increased blood flow
- increased intensity of performance
- delays fatigue

Risks:
- headaches and dizziness
- possible carcinogenic risk
- long term effects on health are unclear