The training course, themed "sports nutrition in training, competition, and recovery", is part of a collaboration between the Vietnam Paralympic Committee (VPC) and Herbalife Vietnam. Its aim is to help athletes achieve optimal preparation for upcoming international competitions. The program utilized a hybrid format, combining online sessions via Zoom with in-person attendance.

Specifically, 60 participants gathered at Phu Tho Stadium in TP HCM, while 200 doctors specializing in injuries, medical staff, nutritionists, coaches, and athletes joined online from various locations. Doctor Vipada Sae-Lao delivered the knowledge remotely via the Zoom platform. Currently, Doctor Vipada Sae-Lao is responsible for training and education in the Asia-Pacific region at Herbalife and serves as a member of the company's Nutrition Advisory Board. She joined Herbalife in 2012 and previously lectured on personalized diets and sustainable nutrition at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand.

Doctor Vipada Sae-Lao teaching an online special training program on sports nutrition. *Photo: Herbalife*

During the training session, the expert emphasized that nutrition plays a critical role in physical preparation, competition, and recovery. For disabled athletes, however, nutritional needs should not follow a fixed formula but must be considered based on various factors. Only through scientific, personalized adjustments for each individual and sport can athletes optimize their performance and accelerate the recovery process.

Doctor Vipada pointed out that disabled athletes possess distinct physiological characteristics, energy expenditure levels, and movement mechanisms. Therefore, attention must be paid to the following factors:

Adjustments based on physical characteristics and sport: The expert provided guidance on accurately calculating energy and nutrient requirements tailored to each individual, rather than applying a general template.

Pre, during, and post-exercise strategies: Supplementing the correct types of carbohydrates, protein, and electrolytes at critical times helps athletes maintain endurance during competition while optimizing energy regeneration capabilities.

Recovery nutrition and injury prevention: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients that support musculoskeletal health can reduce the risk of injuries and shorten physical recovery time after intense training sessions.

Adaptation for overseas competition: Addressing challenges related to time zone changes, daily routines, and differences in food sources when traveling.

Athletes taking a souvenir photo at the nutrition training session. *Photo: Herbalife*

Beyond the specialized training, sports doctors, coaches, and athletes engaged in discussions with the expert about various issues arising during training and competition. This approach ensures that sports nutrition knowledge remains grounded in real-world contexts, moving beyond mere theoretical principles.

For the coaching and sports medical teams, the training course provided an opportunity to update their knowledge and support the development of appropriate nutrition plans for each athlete.

The course was timely, coinciding with Vietnamese disabled athletes' preparations for international competitions in Japan in october. Following the program, participants received certificates of completion.

The training session also marked 14 years of collaboration between Herbalife Vietnam and the Vietnam Paralympic Committee. Previously, both parties had implemented numerous activities providing nutritional support, professional training, and accompanying the development of disabled sports domestically.

Representatives from the Vietnam Paralympic Committee and Herbalife Vietnam at the event. *Photo: Herbalife*

Since the 1980s, Herbalife has aimed to be a leading global company, community, and platform for health and wellness. The company provides science-based nutrition products to consumers in more than 90 markets.

In addition to its partnership with the VPC, the company has collaborated with the Vietnam Olympic Committee (VOC) since 2012 and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) since 2021. Alongside sponsoring athletes and sports organizations, the company also supports a series of community sports events to encourage active lifestyles. For the past 5 years, the company has been the nutrition sponsor for events such as the VnExpress Marathon, Tien Phong Marathon, and Vietnam International Half Marathon.

Dong Ve