Evaluation of Nutrient Intakes of Masters Athletes

Abstract

Optimal nutrition enhances athletic performance. Eating adequate amounts of energy and meeting recommendations for macronutrients are essential and a priority for athletes. PURPOSE: To evaluate the dietary intakes of macronutrients of Masters Athletes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 25 Masters Athletes (14 females, 11 males), 39.4±10.1 years of age. Body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Participants completed a self-administered Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) used to assess dietary patterns over the previous year. The FFQs were analyzed by a third party source; however, statistical analyses were conducted by the researchers. For the purposes of this study, athletes were classified as either lean or non-lean based on percent body fat. Female athletes with < 24.4% and male athletes with < 17.4% body fat were considered lean. RESULTS: Average carbohydrate intake was 44.7±6.6% and 47.7±7.6% of total energy intake for lean and non-lean athletes, respectively. Average protein intake was 15.3±2.8% and 15.02±2.0% of total energy intake for lean non-lean athletes, respectively. Average fat intake was 38.1±7.4% and 36.5±4.9% of total energy intake for lean and non-lean athletes, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups in percent of carbohydrate, fat and protein consumed to total energy intake diet. CONCLUSION: Macronutrient recommended intakes for carbohydrates and proteins are being met for Masters Athletes, which helps to ensure optimal performance; yet proportional fat intake is above recommendations. Nonetheless, aside from the Dietary Reference Intakes, specific recommendations for Masters Athletes have not been established. These represent data from an unfunded research project