Final answer:
Strength and power athletes should consume approximately 50-70% of their total calorie intake from carbohydrates to adequately replenish glycogen stores, ensuring sustained energy during intense physical activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strength and power athletes have specific nutritional needs to support their training and performance, particularly when it comes to replenishing glycogen stores. The macronutrient profile of their diet should reflect the intensity and type of exercise they engage in. For strength and power athletes, approximately 50-70% of their total caloric intake should come from carbohydrates. This range ensures adequate glycogen stores in the muscles and liver, where about 70% of total body glycogen is stored. The practice of carbohydrate loading is common among athletes to maximize glycogen stores, which then can be converted into ATP during intense physical activities. This strategy involves consuming a high amount of complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars, providing long-lasting energy and preventing a rapid spike in blood glucose levels.