Athletes Need Extra Calories

The nutritional needs of athletes do not differ essentially from those of the rest of the population, according to Wayne R. Bidlack Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and nutrition at the USC School of Medicine.

However, Bidlack adds that athletes require extra calories to provide energy for increased exertion, and extra water to compensate for heat-related fluid loss. Any adequate diet will provide the ingredients that are necessary for stamina, according to Bidlack, who says that it is a myth that candy bars provide an immediate energy boost.