Sustainable Nutrition in Athletes
8. Iconst Sciences for Sustainable Technologies-Medical and Sport Sciences, Budapest, Macaristan, 28 - 30 Mayıs 2025, ss.14, (Özet Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
- Basıldığı Şehir: Budapest
- Basıldığı Ülke: Macaristan
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.14
- Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Global population growth, climate change, the food security crisis, and the depletion of environmental resources have made the sustainability of dietary models an imperative issue. Sustainable nutrition is an approach that aims to support individual health while minimizing environmental impacts - such as greenhouse gas emissions, water footprint, and agricultural land use. In the context of athletes, higher energy and protein requirements increase the environmental burden of traditional animal-based diets. Therefore, the integration of alternative protein sources into sports nutrition is gaining growing importance. Although animal proteins have high bioavailability, their production causes significant environmental problems. For instance, beef requires 20 times more water per calorie compared to grains and plant-based foods, while approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions originate from livestock production (FAO). While such diets may support individual performance, they may also compromise ecological sustainability. Moreover, current research indicates that athletes often prioritize performance over sustainability in their food choices—a tendency that must be reconsidered in light of long-term environmental consequences. Alternative protein sources offer potential solutions to this issue. Edible insects are environmentally friendly due to their high protein content, low feed demand, and minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Algae stand out for their richness in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and fiber. Cultured meat, produced in controlled environments, enhances resource efficiency and reduces the risk of meat-borne diseases. However, factors such as consumer perception, regulatory frameworks, and high production costs currently limit the widespread adoption of these alternatives. Sustainable dietary models (e.g., the Mediterranean diet, vegan/vegetarian diets) offer health-promoting and environmentally friendly options for athletes, enhancing not only physical performance but also ethical and ecological awareness. Models such as the Mediterranean Diet, the Barilla Double Pyramid Model, DASH, and the New Nordic Diet prioritize plant-based foods and provide both health and environmental benefits. Flexitarian, vegetarian, and vegan approaches can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 7–26% by limiting animal product consumption. In conclusion, sustainable sports nutrition is a multidimensional approach that harmonizes performance, health, and environmental awareness. Achieving sustainability in athletes’ diets is not only essential for individual performance but also for broader public and ecological health. Coaches, nutritionists, and sports organizations should take on guiding roles by implementing sustainability principles throughout processes such as menu planning, resource management, waste control, and supply chains. Considering environmental consciousness in every aspect of sporting events will facilitate the systemic success of this transformation. Moreover, integrating alternative protein sources and enhancing sustainability literacy are key elements in driving this shift.