I’m frequently asked to recommend an authoritative source of scientific information about sports nutrition. While there are many such sources, most are just too technical for those who just seek solid but comprehensible information. Finally there’s a book that bridges the gap between textbooks and scientifically unsound commercial diet books: Exercise and Sports Nutrition by Richard B. Krieder, Brian Leutholtz and Victor and Frank Katch.
The subtitle of the book is The Ultimate Training and Nutrition Guide to Optimal Health, Fitness and Performance, and that’s an accurate description. The information is comprehensive but easily understandable, with a minimum of scientific jargon. The authors are all eminently qualified, and Richard Kreider is one of the leading researchers in the field of ergogenic aids and sports supplements, having published numerous studies.
In the 560-page book the authors explain how to evaluate the science behind supplements, basic exercise physiology and training principles and nutrient timing. Individual chapters examine all the available research on creatine, protein, amino acids, fats, vitamins and minerals, water intake, herbs and plant extracts, pro-hormones and other anabolic supplements and probiotics.
Other chapters detail weight-gain and weight-loss techniques. The book even includes sample meal programs and training routines. Most important, the errors are few and far between, since the book is entirely research-based—although some opinions based on the presented research are offered at the end of several chapters. The only apparent weakness is the absence of an index, although scientific citations are included at the end of each chapter.
If you’re seeking a readable and accurate look at the current science and principles behind sports nutrition, you can’t go wrong with this book. It’s available at www.exerciseandsportnutrition.com.
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