[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/kin photo.jpg” caption=”McMaster researchers Martin Gibala and Mark Tarnopolsky were among 28 experts in sports nutrition who attended a conference organized by International Association of Athletics Federations in Monaco.”]Twenty-eight of the world's leading experts in sports nutrition — two of whom are McMaster researchers — gathered in Monaco recently for a specialty conference organized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the world governing body for track and field.

Martin Gibala (Kinesiology) and Mark Tarnopolsky (Pediatrics and Medicine) were among the select group of invitees to discuss the nutrition needs of each of the specific athletic disciplines, as well as other areas including competition day, travel and illness.

Gibala and Tarnopolsky are known for their expertise in protein nutrition and supplements — two of the more controversial topics debated at the meeting. Their recommendations are contained in the 2007 IAAF Consensus Statement on Nutrition, an important reference document that represents nutritional best practice in athletics.

“The IAAF places a priority on the important role of ensuring our athletes have access to the best possible nutritional advice,” commented IAAF President Lamine Diack. “The Consensus Statement is an important document for our sport. Not only does it help define and guide the nutritional needs for elite track and field athletes, but it also promotes safe and healthy nutritional habits.”

In the coming months, the IAAF will release detailed educational products on best practice in nutrition for athletics. These resources will be available in multiple languages and will provide athletes and coaches with clear and concise information on a range of topics. In addition, all the scientific papers, reports and PowerPoint presentations from the conference will be published and made publicly available.