TRENDS in Sport Sciences 2014 Vol.21 No.4

The Paleolithic diet is a modern nutritional diet developed on the basis of human and primate evolution. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting the Paleolithic diet may have beneficial effects on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Some authors claim the modern model of Paleolithic diet has an ergogenic potential (i.e. it may enhance physical performance), especially with regard to its high content of branched-chain amino acids, alkalizing properties as well as limited amount of antinutrients, and the appropriate omega-6/ omega-3 fatty acids ratio. Gaining the benefits regarded as unique for the Paleolithic diet may not always be associated with complete exclusion of cereals, milk, dairy products and legumes. The diet is particularly recommended for endurance athletes and athletes for whom maintaining low adiposity is priority. Moreover, periodical adherence to the Paleolithic diet may enhance the flexibility of utilization of energy substrates in endurance sports. More extensive research on physically active individuals may provide more solid evidence on the ergogenic potential of the Paleolithic diet.