Sports nutrition – science supports the important role of this category of products Dec 2011

Sport nutrition is a growing area of expertise, highlighting the importance of accurate and up to date scientific information.   In recognition of this, the UK’s Nutrition Society, the professional association of nutritionists, has recently published a new book ‘Sport and Exercise Nutrition’.

The launch of the book confirms the specialist nature of this area of nutritionand the large base of scientific evidence supporting the role of appropriate food and drinks for those involved in intense muscular activity.  Sports foods and drinks are specifically developed to meet these needs; they are different to everyday ‘normal’ foods as they have levels of carbohydrate, electrolytes and protein that are specific to the needs of sports people.

Given the wealth of scientific evidence supporting sports nutrition, BSNA consider that careful attention should be given to the future legislative framework for the category of sports foods and drinks. The revision of the PARNUTs framework will see the removal of  this category of products and their transfer to general food legislation. BSNA believe that it will be important to manage this change carefully to ensure protection not only of this category of products but also the users of these products.  As this publication shows, the scientific backing for such products is extensive and users need to be reassured by a clear legislative base that ensures conformity of this category of products and informs them of their purpose.

The latest update on the BSNA position on the changes to the PARNUTs legislation can be accessed here.

BSNA represent the manufacturers of sports foods and drinks, and together work to ensure that the products available to those involved in intense muscular activity represent the latest scientific research. 

The Nutrition Society website can be accessed here, where details of their textbook can be found – www.nutritionsociety.org