While Sikandar Bakth and Moin Khan may know a thing or two about training and coaching someone to play international cricket, the nutritionist they use on the show Super Guru simply looks like she does not want to be there. That being said I've found her advice interesting and informative as far as every day life is concerned, however her advice leaves a lot to be desired as far as sports nutrition is concerned.
That being said, I don't really think this is the first time the show that I objected upon has aired however this was the first time I saw it.
Below is an email I sent to geo super guru asking them to make some corrections to their advice. I of course do not expect any corrections or clarifications to be made. However I felt the correction was warranted.
On a recent episode of Super Guru airing today 23rd Oct 2011 @ 4PM you're nutritionist stated that in sports there is a high emphasis on protein consumption and that consuming more than 1 gram of protein per kilo gram of body weight was enough for most athletes. Further she stated that protein consumption in excess of this will result in conversion to fat.
I would like to clarify that this statement is extremely simplified and misleading. There is good research to show that protein does not get metabolized to triglyceride (the storage form of fat). Read here for more: http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/excess-protein-and-fat-storage-qa.html
Further without going into detail, her advice on consumption of 1 gram of protein per KG of body weight is sufficient for *most* but not all athletes is absolutely correct. However the exact number is 0.8 grams / KG and importantly in the case of athletes who happen to be overweight, it's ideal to consume 1 gram of protein per pound of their target body weight not their current body weight. The same is true for underweight athletes. Further, consuming 0.8 gram of protein per pound of body weight is no simple task and consuming protein for athletes in the form of pieces of chicken or beef is also a simplification. In reality, high performance athletes need to consume the right kinds of amino acids at the right times of the day in order recover, repair and build muscles. This means consuming slow digesting and fast digesting proteins at the right times of the day and under the correct circumstances.
Also, the vilinization of fats in her statement was also misleading, the importance of fat in the diet of athletes is very well documented. Other than providing a slow sustained form of energy release for athletes (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/nutrition/sport/fat.html#athlete) it's also good for soft tissues and flexibility. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble, meaning absorbed into the body through fat. These vitamins and their function hold great significance to athletic performance. Vitamin A is needed for bone maintenance. Vitamin D is needed for the absorption of calcium, which is an essential component for muscle contraction. Vitamin E provides for the repair of cell and tissue damage resulting from athletics, and Vitamin K allows for blood to clot, as well as the absorption of calcium into bones. Without fat, beneficial vitamins could not be absorbed into the body, resulting in serious detriment to athletic performance. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/471303-importance-of-fat-for-athletes/#ixzz1bbV4nVWU
Also, in a separate episode she stated that excess consumption of protein stresses the liver. While this is true, unless you have genetic predisposition to liver disorders or a previous liver condition, this should have no negative impact on one's health.
Overall, the nutrition advice offered on the program is good everyday advice, however it leaves something to be desired as far as nutrition for athletes is concerned.
Regards,
