Explain the macronutrient and micronutrient requirements for active people, and how these nutrients support energy system function during exercise. (6 marks)
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- Active people require higher carbohydrate intake than inactive people because carbohydrates provide the most versatile fuel for both energy systems.
- This enables quick energy production without oxygen for anaerobic activities and allows sustained energy with oxygen for aerobic exercise.
- Protein requirements increase for active people due to muscle damage from exercise. This leads to the need for amino acids to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
- Fats provide concentrated energy at low intensities. Therefore, they become important fuel sources during prolonged aerobic exercise when glycogen stores deplete.
- B vitamins are essential because they act as catalysts helping convert carbohydrates to energy. This supports continuous ATP production during exercise.
- Iron requirements increase as active people need more oxygen transport. This occurs because iron forms haemoglobin which carries oxygen to working muscles for aerobic energy production.
- Consequently, adequate intake of all these nutrients enables efficient energy system function, with each nutrient playing specific roles in fuel provision, oxygen transport, or recovery.
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Sample Answer
- Active people require higher carbohydrate intake than inactive people because carbohydrates provide the most versatile fuel for both energy systems.
- This enables quick energy production without oxygen for anaerobic activities and allows sustained energy with oxygen for aerobic exercise.
- Protein requirements increase for active people due to muscle damage from exercise. This leads to the need for amino acids to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
- Fats provide concentrated energy at low intensities. Therefore, they become important fuel sources during prolonged aerobic exercise when glycogen stores deplete.
- B vitamins are essential because they act as catalysts helping convert carbohydrates to energy. This supports continuous ATP production during exercise.
- Iron requirements increase as active people need more oxygen transport. This occurs because iron forms haemoglobin which carries oxygen to working muscles for aerobic energy production.
- Consequently, adequate intake of all these nutrients enables efficient energy system function, with each nutrient playing specific roles in fuel provision, oxygen transport, or recovery.