Sports, Exercise and Health Science · A.2 Hydration and nutrition

SEA.2.2 — Fuelling for health and performance

Sports, Exercise and Health Science · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes

1. SEA.2.2.1

   Macronutrients

   Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) provide sources of energy to maintain bodily functions during growth, rest and physical activity.

2. SEA.2.2.1.1

   What determines the mix

   Relative contributions of macronutrients to bodily functions depend on an individual’s body composition, age, sex differences and activity level.

3. SEA.2.2.1.2

   Availability and metabolization

   The availability of macronutrients and their metabolization within our body influences health and performance.

4. SEA.2.2.1.3

   Nutritional strategies around exercise

   Nutritional strategies related to macronutrient consumption prior to and during exercise can affect gastrointestinal comfort and sporting performance. These can be adjusted for the specific demands of the activity and the sportsperson’s sex differences, age and activity level.

5. SEA.2.2.1.4

   LEA and RED-S

   Low energy availability (LEA) is a state in which the body has insufficient energy to support physiological functions needed for optimal health. Relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) is a consequence of prolonged LEA.

6. SEA.2.2.2

   Micronutrients

   Micronutrients play highly specific roles in facilitating energy transfer and tissue synthesis.

7. SEA.2.2.2.1

   Iron

   Iron is a component of haemoglobin and myoglobin, and helps both of them to transport oxygen for aerobic respiration.

8. SEA.2.2.2.2

   Calcium

   Calcium is a component of bone and connective tissue and plays a role in muscle contraction.

9. SEA.2.2.2.3

   Sodium and potassium

   Sodium and potassium are electrolytes that are essential to maintain water balance and proper muscle and nerve function.

10. SEA.2.2.2.4

    Vitamins

    Vitamins support tissue synthesis and act as regulators of metabolic reactions, which release energy.

11. SEA.2.2.3

    The gut microbiome

    The gut microbiome influences the health and performance of an individual.

12. SEA.2.2.3.1

    What shapes the microbiome

    Genetics, diet, medications and lifestyle influence the microbiome.

13. SEA.2.2.3.2

    Nutrient uptake and performance

    The gut microbiome affects the availability and uptake of nutrients, and therefore health and performance.