EFFECT OF NUTRITIONAL PERIODIZATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STRENGTH AND MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY ATHLETES

Abstract

This literature review evaluates the impact of nutritional periodization on the performance of strength and hypertrophy athletes, emphasizing its role in recovery and training adaptation. Nutritional periodization refers to the planned adjustment of nutrient intake to meet the specific demands of each training phase, strategically supporting athletic goals with tailored macronutrient and micronutrient consumption. Based on the analysis of existing studies, this practice was found to maximize strength, increase muscle mass, and regulate body composition, showing favorable comparisons to non-periodized nutritional strategies. Benefits include support for training volume and intensity, injury prevention, and fatigue reduction. However, implementation challenges arise from the planning complexity and need for continuous monitoring, requiring a high level of expertise among involved professionals. The review also identified gaps and the need for further exploration of individual variables such as metabolism and adaptive response. This study suggests that nutritional periodization, when strategically applied and adapted to individual athlete characteristics, offers a promising avenue to improve performance and well-being, while also promoting longevity in sports. In conclusion, a personalized, collaborative approach among athletes, coaches, and nutritionists is recommended to apply evidence-based guidelines in high-performance sports.