The Muscle Mag
A group of researchers from Canada, the U.S., and Germany examined the dietary intake of athletes who took part in various sporting events at the 2022 and 2023 World Masters Athletics Championships, an international competition for athletes aged 35 and above.
According to a study published in the journal Nutrients, the analysis revealed that the athletes’ carbohydrate intake was below recommended levels for endurance athletes, and protein intake was insufficient for all athletes except female power athletes.
Moreover, the athletes also showed inadequate intake of vitamins D and E, calcium, potassium, vitamin A (excluding female endurance athletes), folate (excluding female power athletes), vitamin C for female endurance athletes, vitamin K, fiber for males, and zinc for endurance athletes.
The researchers concluded that additional support might be necessary for athletes when traveling to foreign locations for competitions. This study is the first to scrutinize the intake of specific macro- and micronutrients in male and female masters athletes participating in world championship athletic events.
Analyzing Nutrient Intake
Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls from 43 athletes (16 females and 27 males, with a mean age of 59.2 ± 10.3 years) who competed in various events during the World Masters Athletics Championships were evaluated. The recalled data was analyzed using Food Processor Software (ESHA Research, USA) to estimate daily energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake.
Descriptive statistics were computed as means and standard deviations for energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients for male and female endurance and power athletes, and the results were compared with current recommended values.
Low Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Endurance sport athletes had an average carbohydrate intake of around 3.2 g/kg/d, below the recommended levels for this group. The study suggests that athletes training for one to three hours per day at moderate to high intensities should consume 6 g to 10 g/kg/d of carbohydrates.
Protein intake was deficient for all athletes except female power athletes. The recommendations for masters athletes usually include protein intakes of 1.5 g to 1.6 g/kg/d to preserve lean tissue mass.
Omega-3 fatty acid intake was also low, with a daily intake of about 3 g/day recommended for masters athletes.
The athletes demonstrated inadequate intakes of various essential micronutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and others, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet to support their athletic performance and overall health.
These findings underscore the necessity of proper nutrition in optimizing athletic performance and ensuring the well-being of master athletes participating in global competitions.
Source: Nutrients
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040564 (registering DOI)
“Dietary Intake of Athletes at the World Masters Athletics Championships as Assessed by Single 24 h Recall”
Authors: Taylor P.M. Leonhardt et al.
