Urgent need of nutritional strategy and innovated functional foods for athletes health and fitness

ABSTRACT

The present review discussed the biochemical and physiological changes as well as the different sorts of nutritional deficiencies and health hazards to which the athletes may be exposed in addition to the importance of production and evaluation of innovated functional foods for athletes. Ergogenic substances and phytochemicals of possible impacts on athletes are also discussed. Athletes need special nutrients and bioactive constituents before, during and after exercise to keep on their fitness and performance and to achieve successful results during their games. They also need to be healthy without any sort of nutrients' deficiency. So, it is important to study the necessary nutrients and functional food ingredients for athletes and incorporate them into ideal functional foods to achieve their performance and to keep them in a healthy state. Such functional foods must be evaluated in athletes through following up biochemical, physiological and anthropometric parameters reflecting nutritional status, oxidative stress, antioxidant state, immunity, fitness and performance. Functional foods for athletes differ according to the practiced games. These functional foods must correct any nutrient deficiency in athletes that may occur due to practicing sports. Proper athlete's nutrition is essential for continuity of his/her sports with a good health and without loosing fitness