Book Review: Clinical Sports Nutrition (5th edition)
Author: Louise Burke and Vicky Deakin
The fifth edition of Clinical Sports Nutrition edited by Louise Burke and Vicky Deakin appeared on the shelves towards the end of 2015. With contributions from more than 60 individuals including internationally recognized experts, leading academics, experienced sport dietitians/nutritionists and physicians, this edition is bound to make an impact.
The fifth edition consists of 25 chapters that incorporate the latest research and scientific principles relevant to exercise nutrition and sports performance. At the end of each chapter, a section with “practice tips” provides practical strategies for translating science into practice. Chapter one kicks off with the physiology of sports followed by nutritional assessment of athletes including a comprehensive chapter on dietary assessment; physique assessment; weight loss and making weight. The authors elucidate on the challenging task of collecting accurate dietary intake data and provide more technologically advanced dietary assessment methods including digital and image-based food record tools.
The chapter on energy requirements of athletes included an insightful commentary on the issues involved in determining energy availability, a valuable concept underpinning the female athlete triad, in field conditions.
Protein is a ‘high-profile’ topic in sports nutrition and chapter four provides not only a summary of the latest evidence regarding the optimal quantity, quality and timing of protein consumption, but also a very nice section on practical tips, including a table with quantified examples of low and high biological value protein sources. Additional best practice guidelines on competition strategies included updated fluid recommendations, sample menus and food/fluid options. The new information and discussion on nutrition periodisation in the chapter on “nutrition for recovery” will also shift your thinking regarding the role and timing of dietary nutrients in response to exercise. More recently low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diets have received a lot of attention, and chapter 15 sheds light on the application of LCHF diets specifically in sport. A very comprehensive overview of the existing evidence regarding sport supplements is also provided in chapter 16.
Topics of a more clinical nature that have been revised and updated include eating disorders in athletes; athletes with diabetes; bone health; iron depletion; and gastrointestinal issues, including a new section on food allergies and
intolerances. An entire new chapter has been added on immunity, infective illness and injury (chapter 22). Also included is a revised approach on working with the female athlete triad, the physiological effects of exercise on gut function, and antioxidant supplements. The authors also dedicate a section to special needs and specific athletic populations (children, vegetarians, Paralympic and masters athletes), and considerations for different environmental conditions (cold, heat, altitude and travel).
The combination of ‘textbook style’ scientific information with practical applications ensure that this book can act as a clinical reference to academics teaching sports nutrition and also students interested in a career in sports nutrition. In addition, the book can act as a practical reference for sports nutrition professionals who need to translate scientific information into practice with their athletes and coaches. My opinion is that scientific rigor applied to the content combined with the practical application of evidenced based research into daily sport nutrition practice tips distinguishes this particular sports nutrition book from others available on the market.
Reviewed by
Lize Havemann-Nel PhD, RD (SA)
enior lecturer, School for physiology, nutrition and consumer sciences,
North-West University, South Africa
