'The amount, composition and timing of food intake can profoundly affect sports performance. Good nutritional practice will help athletes train hard, recover quickly and adapt more effectively with less risk of illness and injury. Food can contribute not only to the enjoyment of life, but also to success in sport.' , From the IOC Nutrition Concensus In June 2003, thirty of the world's leading researchers in nutrition met at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland. The aim of the conference was to review the latest developments in the world of sport nutrition, to follow up on developments since the previous, 1991, conference, and to draw guidelines to help athletes and coaches to optimise their performance by using nutrition to support training and maximise performance in competition. Subjects discussed in this cutting-edge collection include: Energy balance and body composition The role of carbohydrates The role of proteins and amino acids Athlete fluid and electrolyte requirements The use of dietary supplements Nutrition and immune function. Participants represent all five continents and are world leading experts in their fields. Some are research pioneers in the sports science laboratory, others lead the way in applied nutrition, spending their daily lives working with elite athletes.