GLOSSARY

Paralympic Athlete An athlete with an impairment participating in adapted or para sport, with needs determined by the individual impairment and event.

Para-athlete nutrition depends on the impairment, sport, functional capacity, health and practical access to food and fluids. Reduced active muscle mass can alter energy estimates, while intensive training still requires adequate fuel. Standard body-composition equations or body-mass comparisons may be unsuitable after amputation or spinal cord injury. Thermoregulation, bowel function, skin integrity, bladder management and medication can affect the plan. Work with the athlete and appropriate clinicians to find usable strategies rather than treating all impairments as one nutritional category.

Choose a dietary assessment method according to the question, population and resources. A recent intake record can explore meal timing around training; a frequency questionnaire can describe longer-term patterns. Neither automatically establishes exact habitual intake. Combine food details with training, access, symptoms, medication and relevant measurements. Explain uncertainties and what the method cannot answer. Good assessment produces a decision that can be reviewed, rather than an impressive nutrient report whose apparent precision exceeds the quality of the information collected.

An adequate diet provides sufficient energy and essential nutrients while fitting health needs. A high score for variety or a healthy food label cannot independently demonstrate adequacy. Review what is actually eaten, including foods excluded and suitable replacements. Athletes can consume many vegetables yet still lack enough energy or carbohydrate for training. Assess the overall pattern, distribution and relevant nutrient risks rather than assuming that a single food or supplement makes the entire diet balanced.