Nutritional needs of the female athlete

The increasing popularity of women's sports has opened up many unique areas of interest regarding the health of women athletes. No area has generated more interest than nutrition, especially for athletes who are involved in s ports in which "thinness" is a factor of successful performance. This artic le addresses the importance of adequate nutrition for both performance and health, with emphasis on the energy needs and consumption of adequate amoun ts of essential nutrients to meet those energy needs. Areas of discussion f ocus on disordered eating, amenorrhea, osteoporosis, and specific micronutr ient requirements.