CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group has a long tradition in publishing excellent books in the field of sport nutrition, but up to now no book on redox-active components in sport nutriton has been released. It is an honour that I was asked to edit the first book in this field, and it was exciting for me and my helping team that so many renowned researchers in the field accepted to send a chapter. Many, many thanks to you all!

Originally, I intended to title this book Redox-Active Components in Sport Nutrition. But considerations with regard to attracting as many readers as possible led us to title it Antioxidants in Sport Nutrition. Although in some respects it is not absolutely appropriate, we perceived the term ‘antioxidant’ as very suitable as it polarises and fosters discussions. Polarisation and discussion are engines to stimulate research in a specific field.

This book consists of 16 scientifically based chapters with regard to the basic mechanisms of exercise-induced oxidative damage and categorisation of nutritional antioxidants. It covers the antioxidant supply in an athlete’s basic nutrition and discusses the controversies of the usefulness or disadvantages of antioxidant supplementation. Many chapters refer to antioxidants and/or bioactives and their effectiveness, and a few chapters cover specific redox-modulating substances and/or supplements. I personally believe it is very interesting for the reader that this book provides chapters that discuss antioxidant supplementation in relation to adaptation and performance as well as the relation between supplementation with redox-modulating compounds and/or supplements and the immune system. Last but not least, two chapters discuss methodological approaches on how to assess oxidative stress and the effectiveness of antioxidant treatment, and two other chapters introduce several biomarkers to estimate the bioefficacy of dietary/supplemental antioxidants in sport.

With this book, sport nutrition scientists and advisors, exercise physiologists, students in related fields as well as coaches, top athletes and recreational athletes will find actual information and practical guidance. Have a good time with it!

Manfred Lamprecht, PhD, PhD

Medical University of Graz, Austria