Page 51 - FoodFocusThailand No.230 May 2025

STRATEGIC R&D

However, the use of these nutrients should be
approached with caution and under the guidance of
a physician or nutritionist to ensure that the products
containing such substances are approved and certified
by trusted international organizations, such as NSF
International, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), or
Informed-Sport. This helps to avoid potential health
risks or disqualification due to the presence of banned
substances during competition. Therefore, the
selection of ergogenic aids should be made with with caution to minimize the risk of injuries that can result from
careful consideration, taking into account the type of rapid physical growth. Training programs should avoid placing
sport and their physical condition. excessive stress on the body, instead focusing on developing
Nowadays, athletes not only focus on enhancing flexibility and proper movement patterns, along with moderate
physical performance through nutritional strength training, to ensure that muscles and joints can safely
supplementation but also place equal importance on adapt to growth. Additionally, training should be tailored to
proper nutrition, appropriate training, and adequate enhance speed and explosive power in line with the athlete’s
rest. For instance, growth hormone levels peak physical capabilities at this stage. Consuming an adequate
during deep sleep. At the same time, certain types of amount of essential nutrients during growth phases not only
exercise can stimulate the growth plates, promoting supports the development of a well-balanced body structure but
height and overall development. Moreover, avoiding also contributes to athletic performance, promoting both growth
behaviors that impair growth—such as smoking and and long-term competitive effectiveness.
alcohol consumption— also contributes to improved
physical performance and bodily development. These
factors play a vital role in significantly enhancing
athletic performance. More Information Service Info C006

Essential Nutrients During Peak Height
Velocity Period
Understanding the key periods of physical development
Enhancing Athletic Performance is essential for athletes and individuals who engage
in regular exercise, as it allows the body to grow and
perform more efficiently. Height, in particular, is a
through Optimal Nutrition significant factor for adolescent athletes. The peak
height velocity (PHV) period —when the rate of
height growth is at its fastest—typically occurs during
early to mid-adolescence: between ages 11–13 for
girls and 13–15 for boys. During this time, the body
experiences rapid increases in both bone mass and
muscle development. Selecting the right nutrients
during PHV can maximize developmental outcomes;
Protein supports muscle building and repair; calcium
helps build strong bones and teeth; vitamin D
enhances calcium absorption and contributes to bone
growth; carbohydrates serve as the main energy
source and are essential for training; healthy fats
contribute to the formation of cells and hormone
production necessary for growth. Additionally, zinc
plays a role in cellular growth and regeneration.
Staying well-hydrated also helps the body function
effectively and recover after training. Nevertheless,
consuming a balanced diet across the five main food
groups remains an essential guideline—especially
with a focus on nutrients that directly support bone
and muscle development during the PHV phase.
Athletes in this age group experience significant
improvements in strength, speed, and explosive
power. However, it is essential to approach training
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