Empowering Female Athletes: Optimized Nutritional Strategies for Health, Performance, and Recovery
Date
2-18-2025
Faculty Mentor
Majid Koozehchian, Kinesiology; Gina Mabrey, Kinesiology
Files
Submission Type
Conference Proceeding
Location
2:15-2:25 pm | Houston Cole Library, 11th Floor
Description
Please note: no video is available for this presentation.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in optimizing sports performance and recovery. While a balanced diet is essential for enhancing performance, recovery, and overall health, research on nutrition tailored to female athletes and physically active women remains limited. As gender equality progresses in sports, there is a growing need to understand nutrition strategies specifically for female athletes and physically active women. Understanding why sports nutrition is important for both genders and not just nutrition for men will help bridge the gaps for the best supplements for female athletes and physically active women. Analyzing these studies will help nutritionists improve what works best for females. For instance, research indicates that nutrition plays a key role in addressing the unique physiological needs of female athletes. The findings were on physiological and hormonal fluctuations and dietary supplements in sports nutrition. Insights indicate hormonal fluctuations during the menstruation cycle, such as an increase in estrogen in the follicular phase and decreased levels in the luteal phase, which influence bone density, muscle mass, and metabolic responses. Findings also emphasize the importance of addressing deficiencies in Vitamin B12, Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin C to mitigate hormonal challenges and support overall health. Iron supplements can improve performance in anemic female athletes, but research on this is still limited. Research indicates anemia in females deals with a condition where the blood flow decreases to the organs and tissues. Also, the decrease in the iron supplement can cause side effects such as headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue and other decreasing symptoms. A high-carbohydrate diet supports glycogen replenishment and metabolism, leading to better performance and faster recovery. More research indicates that carbohydrates provide a source of energy for intense performance and can significantly help muscle recovery. Furthermore, macronutrients are Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, such as those found in grains, pasta, fruits, and saltine crackers. Studies indicate athletes with higher carbohydrates in dietary benefits are increasing energy while following strict dietary nutritional values. The glycemic influences blood sugar. Therefore, foods containing sugar or starches. Additionally, it plays a very dedicated role in the body. Finally, these insights indicate the need for gender-specific nutrition to help athletes optimize performance, recovery, and overall health in professional and recreational sports. For instance, it is tailored toward national strategies based on physical differences, hormonal imbalances, and specific energy demands, which can enhance endurance, strength, and injury prevention. In addition, personalized nutrition plans can address unique requirements such as bone health, muscle recovery, and metabolic variations, ensuring that male and female athletes achieve their careers and well-being.
Keywords
student research, kinesiology
Rights
This content is the property of Jacksonville State University and is intended for non-commercial use. Video and images may be copied for personal use, research, teaching or any "fair use" as defined by copyright law. Users are asked to acknowledge Jacksonville State University. For more information, please contact digitalcommons@jsu.edu.
Disciplines
Exercise Science
Recommended Citation
Bren, Camryn, "Empowering Female Athletes: Optimized Nutritional Strategies for Health, Performance, and Recovery" (2025). JSU Student Symposium 2025. 70.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/ce_jsustudentsymp_2025/70
