Dietary Intake of Vitamins and Minerals in Adolescent Sprint Athletes: A Three Year Follow-up Study

Abstract

This study aimed to assess micronutrient intake and supplement use in adolescent sprint athletes. Anthropometrics, micronutrient intake and supplement use of 60 adolescent sprint athletes were recorded every six months over a 3-year period. Age at start was 14.8 ± 1.6 years for the female and 14.7 ± 1.9 years for the male athletes. Over the 3 years, both girls and boys normally gained in body height and - weight. Consistent low intakes were observed for iron in girls, and for calcium, vitamin E and B2 in both sexes, whilst sodium intake exceeded the upper reference limit. Supplements were used without prescription and athletes with the better nutritional profile showed higher supplement use compared to those with poorer habits. General non-stringent advice for dietary improvement resulted in significantly favourable changes only for the consumption of wholegrain bread, vegetables, and soft drinks. Micronutrient intakes of adolescent sprint athletes are relatively stable and not always according the guidelines, regardless of supplement use. Repeated nutritional feedback induced only moderate improvements.