Intermittent Fasting – An Update on its Effects on Athletic Performance

by Andres E Ayesta Herrera, MS, RD, CSCS
NSCA Coach April 2016
Vol 3, Issue 2

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Nutrition

Athletes have sought out intermittent fasting as a strategy to optimize performance. However, it is important to critically evaluate the research available in order to establish specific recommendations and determine if intermittent fasting is safe or effective.

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This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »

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References 

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4. Chaouachi, A, Leiper, JB, Souissi, N, Coutts, AJ, and Chamari, K. Effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on sports performance and training: A review. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance 4(4): 419-434, 2009. 
5. Chtourou, H, Hammouda, O, Chaouachi, A, Chamari, K, and Souissi, N. The effect of time-of-day and Ramadan fasting on anaerobic performances. International Journal of Sports Medicine 33(2): 142-147, 2012. 
6. Churchward-Venne, TA, Burd, NA, and Phillips, SM. Nutritional regulation of muscle protein synthesis with resistance exercise: strategies to enhance anabolism. Nutrition and Metabolism 9(1): 40, 2012. 
7. el Ati, J, Beji, C, and Danguir, J. Increased fat oxidation during Ramadan fasting in healthy women: an adaptive mechanism for body-weight maintenance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 62(2): 302-307, 1995. 
8. Hamouda, O, Chtourou, H, Farjallah, MA, Davenne, D, and Souissi, N. The effect of Ramadan fasting on the diurnal variations in aerobic and anaerobic performances in Tunisian youth soccer players. Biological Rhythm Research 43(2): 177-190, 2012. 
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Andres E Ayesta Herrera, RD

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Andres Ayesta is the Dietitian/Nutritionist for the University of Central Florida Wellness and Health Promotion Services. Andres is the current owner ...

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Available to:
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Audience:
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Topics:
Nutrition
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