Features of Sports Nutrition for Athletes Engaged in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Considering Gender Aspects

The article addresses the importance of the specificity of sports nutrition and the consideration of its gender differences for optimizing athletes' nutrition to improve their performance, accelerate recovery, and reduce the risk of injury. The aim is to study the features of sports nutrition for martial arts athletes engaged in MMA, with an emphasis on gender aspects, in order to develop recommendations for optimizing dietary strategies to enhance athletic results and overall health. The results of a scientific analysis of specialized methodological literature are presented, examining how hormonal cycles (the menstrual cycle in women and testosterone levels in men) influence nutritional needs and athletic performance. Data on the impact of gender on the macro- and micronutrient requirements of MMA athletes are explored. Key aspects are developed, and practical recommendations are formulated for creating diets that optimize nutrition while considering gender aspects and aligning with the specific training needs of male and female MMA athletes. This includes assessing the nutritional needs of each athlete based on their gender, age, training goals, and physical indicators; developing and considering portion sizes and food quality; and maintaining a balance between energy needs and caloric intake. Hormonal cycles, particularly the menstrual cycle in women and fluctuations in testosterone levels in men, significantly influence the nutritional needs and athletic performance of combat sports athletes involved in MMA. Understanding these changes allows for the development of effective nutrition and training strategies that enhance performance and overall well-being. The application of evidence-based diets and nutritional strategies can significantly enhance competitive success in mixed martial arts. Vitamins and minerals have varying effects on recovery and performance in male and female combat athletes. Young male and female athletes have different needs for energy, macronutrients, and specific vitamins and minerals, influenced by both physiological and psychological factors.