Hello Everyone:

A joint position paper released today by Dietitians of Canada, the American
Dietetic Association and the American College of Sports Medicine, and
endorsed by the Coaching Association of Canada, details the most current
science on nutrition and athletic performance.

Click on http://www.dietitians.ca/news/i_a04.htm for the abstract.  At the
bottom of the web page, you can:

a.  download a copy of the 26 page position paper in Portable Document
Format using Adobe Acrobat Reader
b.  download a copy of the factsheet "Are You Winning at Sports Nutrition?"
in PDF format.

DIETITIANS PROMOTE OPTIMAL NUTRITION AS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT FOR TOP
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE

TORONTO - There is no doubt that what an athlete eats and drinks plays a
significant role in performance.  A joint position paper released today by
Dietitians of Canada, the American Dietetic Association and the American
College of Sports Medicine, and endorsed by the Coaching Association of
Canada, details the most current science on nutrition and athletic
performance.  This position paper provides important guidance for nutrition
and health professionals and coaches, in optimizing nutritional intake for
both the elite and recreational athlete.

In endorsing this position statement on behalf of the Coaching Association
of Canada (CAC), Dr. Marielle Ledoux, Registered Dietitian and Chair of CAC’
s Sports Nutrition Advisory Committee says, “Athletes and their coaches are
understandably looking for the best advice on diet and exercise performance
to gain that competitive edge.  Unfortunately, there is a great deal of
misinformation associated with sports nutrition.  As the interest in this
specialized field has increased, so has the sale of performance-enhancing
(ergogenic) aids, supplements, herbal preparations and diet aids. These
products alone have little, if any, effect on achievement of top
performance.  At the very least, many of these substances are an unnecessary
expense, and at worst, some may not be safe to use.”

Dr. Susan Barr, co-author of the position paper, notes, “Every competitive
and recreational athlete needs adequate energy, fluids and nutrients to
perform at his or her best.   One of the biggest challenges facing athletes
is choosing a healthy diet, given a demanding schedule of training and
competition.  Athletes with nutritional savvy follow these guidelines for
healthy eating:”

- Eat a wide variety of foods based on Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating
- Balance food intake with energy needs to promote a healthy body weight
- Ensure proper fluid intake to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance
- Time food and fluid intake in relation to training and competition
- Seek expert advice on the use of supplements and ergogenic aids

A Registered Dietitian (RD), with expertise in sports nutrition, is the most
qualified food and nutrition professional to assist athletes and coaches to
sort the facts from the myths that prevail in sports nutrition.  An RD is
also skilled in tailoring an eating plan to meet athletes’ unique training
and competitive needs.

For trusted information on sports nutrition and a variety of other nutrition
topics, or to find a registered dietitian in your area, visit Dietitians of
Canada award winning web site at www.dietitians.ca.

Dietitians of Canada represents 5000 dietitians nation-wide, providing a
trusted voice for consumers regarding food and healthy eating.  The American
Dietetic Association represents 70,000 food and nutrition professionals
across the United States of America, serving the public by promoting optimal
nutrition, health and well-being.

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and
exercise science organization in the world.  With more than 18,000 members
world-wide, ACSM is dedicated to promoting and integrating scientific
research, education and practical application of sports medicine and
exercise science to maintain and enhance physical performance, fitness,
health and quality of life.

For further information and an interview with a sports nutrition specialist,
contact:

Susan Barr, PhD, RD
(604) 822-6766
BC Region

Heather Schnurr RD
(403) 433-3354
Alberta and The Territories

Susie Langley MS, RD
(416) 979-5872
Ontario

Marielle Ledoux PhD, RD
(514) 343-6403
Quebec

Pam Lynch PDt, MHEc
(902) 421-7512
Atlantic Region

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Sincerely,
Myrna G. Wright, BSc, MHSc, RD
Health Promotion and Partnerships Coordinator
Dietitians of Canada
Healthy Eating Affiliate for the Canadian Health Network

Check out the websites at
http://www.dietitians.ca
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca