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Eating Habits and Patterns of Female College Athletes
Author(s) -
Markovic Srdan,
Phelps Josh,
Crook Tina,
Hakkak Reza
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.733.1
Subject(s) - athletes , medicine , zoology , food intake , total energy , demography , physical therapy , psychology , biology , sociology , displacement (psychology) , psychotherapist
The benefit of adequate nutrition contributing to successful athletic performance is well known, but not completely understood and applied among athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess nutrient intakes, and dietary habits and patterns of female college athletes by comparing participant data to sports nutrition recommendations for athletes. Participants (n = 49) completed a Nutritional Questionnaire followed by a detailed 3‐day food record. Overall energy consumption and macronutrient distributions were measured; data were also collected on participants' eating habits. Mean carbohydrate intake (3.8g/kg/day + 1.54) was significantly lower than the minimum recommendation for athletes (5g/kg/day of body weight) [ t (29) = ‐ 4.237, p < 0.05]; mean protein intake (1.23g/kg/day + 0.49) did not differ from the minimum recommendation for athletes (1.2g/kg/day) [ t (29) = .390, p = 0.70]. Frequency analysis showed 73.3% of participants consumed an appropriate amount of fat in line with the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) of 20‐35% of total energy intake. The majority of participants (77%; 37/48), thought of themselves as being at a healthy weight range; however, 54% (20/37) of these participants expressed the desire to lose weight or to decrease body fat. A paired sample t‐test showed mean total energy intake (1860 kcal + 748.7) was significantly lower than mean total energy expenditure (3130 kcal + 340.3) [ t (29) = 9.293, p < .05], with 90% of participants reporting lower than required energy intake. Lack of adequate energy intake presents problems among athletes, not only pertaining to performance, but regarding general health as well. There is a great need for nutritional education among this particular population.