ProVitalDNA - Package - DEMO EN

CALORIES
Ideal calorie distribution
Calories are the fuel for our cells and for athletic performance, and they are mainly obtained
from the macronutrients fat, carbohydrates and protein. During the resting phase, the body
gains from carbohydrates (glucose) and fat (triglycerides), roughly in equal proportions. Only
when a great lack of energy occurs, the body starts to consume proteins from the muscles
break down, in order to produce energy; this should, of course, be avoided in competitive
sports. Additionally, the shape of the muscle plays a crucial role. As previously stated in this
report, the ACTN3 gene controls the ratio between the white and the red muscle fibers, which
burn different nutrients in order to produce energy. The amount of fat and carbohydrates
needed during exercise thus depends on the nature (strength/endurance/mixture) and extent
(short/long) of the activity.
Energy balance during power sports
The white muscle fibers are used when in power and speed sports. These activities use energy
stored in the muscle, without oxygen, to power the muscles (the so-called anaerobic area).
After about 20 seconds to 8 minutes without oxygen, this energy decreases, and the muscle
fibers begin to convert carbohydrates into energy. More oxygen is thus needed, which is why
breathing becomes faster. This form of energy consumes the stored carbohydrates (glycogen),
which also gets depleted after a long period exercising. After exercising, the carbohydrate
storage refill. For power sports the white muscle fibers are the main ones, and carbohydrates
are exclusively used. For this reason, this type of physical activity requires a high-carbohydrate
diet.
Energy balance during endurance sports
In case of mild exercise the red muscle fibers are mainly used. In comparison to the white
muscle fiber, the energy is obtained not only from carbohydrates, but also from fat. This
process yields about 3 times more energy than the production from carbohydrates, but it
requires significantly more oxygen and is limited by respiration. In this form of exercise the
carbohydrate stores (Glycogen) remain in majority untouched and are available for short
sprints available.
Endurance athletes therefore use, as opposed to the strength athletes, not only
carbohydrates, but also fat. For this reason, the supply of the right amounts of fat and
carbohydrates for endurance athletes is of great importance.
Energy balance during play sports
Playing sports are usually a mixture of endurance sports, which is maintained throughout the
game, and weight training, with short sprints and high efforts. For this reason, the red muscle
fat and carbohydrates are mostly used, while the carbohydrate stores remain in the muscles.
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