Sports nutrition is a natural marriage of two fields:

nutrition and exercise physiology. These complemen-
tary academic disciplines enable us to understand the

energy expenditure that is required by exercise and
sport and the energy intake that is vital to support
these activities. Exercise challenges the human body
to respond and adapt, and proper nutrition supports
the physiological processes that make it possible to do

so. Although all people can benefit from proper nutri-
tion and exercise, athletes must pay careful attention

to both. Training and nutrition are key elements of ex-
cellent athletic performance.

Ever since Hippocrates stated “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” more than
two thousand years ago, it has been apparent to all that a healthy balanced diet is essential to good
health, with that benefit also extending to optimal reproductive function. This publication sets forth
to address the important issue of how nutrition, both diet and nutritional supplements, can influence
reproductive function in men and women, and the outcome of any resulting pregnancy.