Nutritional Intake Patterns of NCAA Divsion-II Athletes

Abstract

2372 Nutritional practices of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II athletes have received limited attention. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to quantify nutritional intake of NCAA Division II athletes and compare dietary practices to nonathletes and the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs). METHODS: Following written informed consent, three-day food recalls were obtained from 105 athletes (28 males, 77 females; mean age = 20.0 «0.2 yr; ht = 172.9 “0.9 in; wt = 70.2” 1.4 kg) and 50 nonathletes (32 males, 18 females; mean age = 23.1 “0.8 yr; ht = 174.8” 1.2 in; wt = 77.4 «2.1 kg) for energy intake, fat source, macronutrient and micronutrient consumption, food servings, and percentage of RDA. RESULTS: MANOVAs (mean − SEM) indicated a significant main effect across skill level (athlete, nonathlete; Wilks' Lambda F60,93 = 2.670;P< 0.0001; n – â = 1.000). Post hoc analyses revealed energy intake of athletes was 767.1 to 6344.8 kcal/day (mean = 1933.9 «125.0 kcal/day) vs. 478.8 to 13334.9 kcal/day (mean 2771.6 «183.0 kcal/day) for nonathletes. Significant skill differences were noted in fat source (monounsaturated: polyunsaturated: saturated). Athletes were 40:17:43% vs. 39:15:46% for nonathletes [poly (P = 0.028), sat (P = 0.018)]. Significant skill differences were observed in food servings [fat (P = 0.001), meat (P < 0.0001)], macronutrients [CHO (P = 0.004)], and micronutrient intake [B vitamins, Mg, Na (P = 0.002 to 0.014)]. Non-significant main effects were noted between athletes and nonathletes in caloric source. T-score analyses indicated significant differences between athletes and RDA in caloric source [%CHO, % total fat (P< 0.0001)], fat source [% mono, poly, sat (P < 0.0001)], all food servings (P < 0.0001 to 0.001), and micronutrients [cholesterol, insoluable fiber, B vitamins, C, D, E, K, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na (P < 0.0001 to 0.05)]. CONCLUSION: In summary, findings indicate significant nutritional excesses and deficiencies, due to disordered eating patterns, in Division II athletes, when compared to nonathletes and RDA. Therefore, a comprehensive sport nutrition education program in this group is recommended.