Food allergies make going tougher Oz experts called in

While interesting facts such as these abound at the Village kitchen,the Commonwealth Games has brought to the fore one important,well-documented fact. More athletes than ever before are learnt to be suffering from food allergies,especially lactose intolerance,nut allergies and celiac.

To make food choices easier for athletes and guide them on food and nutrition,three dieticians researching sports nutrition have been called in from the University of Sunshine Coast in Australia. “We get requests for advice on the athletes’ special dietary needs. On an average,we get requests for at least 50 meal plans,40 for advice on weight reduction and 50 independent queries on various issues,” said Fiona Pelly,principal investigator for the study leading the sports nutrition research at the Games kitchen.

Pelly,who has also worked at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games and the Sydney Olympics,said this Games has witnessed an increased number of athletes suffering from food allergies.

“Here at the Village,we have about 10 athletes suffering from nut allergies and at least 50 others suffering from gluten intolerance. The rising numbers are becoming more of an international issue now,” she said.

A software called ‘Wincheck’ is being used to calculate the nutritional break-up of food items to ensure the athletes know their consumption patterns. Menu content and nutritional composition provided at the food service point allow athletes and officials to make their choices efficiently. Small cards specifying the calorific value,proteins,salts,carbohydrates,fats,base ingredients,levels of spice etc,have been put up near food servers.

“We make sure the various types of food being provided match the guidelines set. Most importantly,dietary plans need to be set for athletes whose discipline requires more physical energy,such as gymnastics,rugby,boxing,swimming,running,weight-lifting,etc. We help them plan their meals better,telling them what to eat and what not to,” Pelly said.