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Lehigh Valley Health Network, in partnership with Sodexo, launched a comprehensive sports nutrition program for Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute.
The program’s registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) has special nutrition training and understands the unique needs of athletes. Services include one-on-one assessments, team presentations, staff education, sports clinics and community events.
Registered dietitian Tanya Williams with Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute has worked in sports nutrition for 15 years and says the overall field is gaining momentum.
“When I first got my advanced credentialing, sports nutrition was big at the Olympic level, but not college or high school,” she says. “Now sports teams regularly have registered dietitian nutritionists.”
While the program’s mission is to help athletes improve their performances, the team is also focused on prevention and improving conditions exacerbated by sports, including frequent injuries, GI issues, eating disorders, nutrient deficits like low iron, or hormonal issues like polycystic ovarian syndrome.
“Referring doctors and clinicians can expect a comprehensive nutrition assessment with recommendations from a clinical perspective to address nutrient and health deficiencies before we provide sports-specific fueling strategies. This is to ensure that underlying issues are prioritized,” Williams says.
