Athletes from all sports need to get the right sports nutrition to give the winning edge.

When your body gets the sports nutrition it needs it can deliver the performance that you need.

You can make the most of your sporting talent by getting the most out of your sports nutrition.

What sports nutrition you will require will depend on your age, size, physical condition and what sports you are involved with.

There are however basics to sports nutrition that everyone can follow.

Water is the most important factor in sports nutrition. Your body is around 60% water and requires water for almost every bodily function. Water cannot be stored or made by your body therefore it must constantly be replaced. While training it is especially important to keep water levels topped up and you should try to match the amount you drink with the amount you sweat.

Getting sports nutrition right means getting your fuel intake right. Good sports nutrition requires that all the food groups be consumed in the right quantities for you.

When it comes to sports nutrition carbohydrates are the most important fuel source. Fruits, vegetables, pasta, bread, cereals and rice all contain carbohydrates. The carbohydrates contain sugar and starches which your body converts to glucose, an available instant energy burst. The glucose can be stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen which will give you endurance and power for high-intensity, short bursts of activity.

Your performance level will drop when your body runs out of carbohydrate fuel and has to turn to protein and fat for energy. This is because your body has to work harder to get the fuel out of protein and fat.

Having a carbohydrate strategy as part of your sports nutrition can enable you to control the level of your performance as can ensuring that you have the correct vitamins and minerals built up in adequate level before competition.

Sports nutrition is important from any age and a good coach will try to teach children good sports nutrition from early on.

Knowing about sports nutrition can help children see why its important to eat a balanced diet.

Participating in a sport should encompass all aspects of that sport from the training and competing to how to prepare your mind and your body and teaching about sports nutrition can help towards that preparation.

Knowing that its not advisable to have a fizzy drink before playing in a football match or competing in a judo match is helpful for children to learn.