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Rodríguez-Hernández MD, Gil-Izquierdo Á, García CJ, Gabaldón JA, Ferreres F, Giménez-Monzó D, Martínez-Sanz JM. Health Claims for Sports Drinks-Analytical Assessmentaccording to European Food Safety Authority's Scientific Opinion. Nutrients 2024; 16:1980. [PMID: 38999728 PMCID: PMC11243318 DOI: 10.3390/nu16131980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In Europe, sports food supplements (SSFs) are subject to specific laws and regulations. Up to 70% of athletes are highly influenced by the information on the label or the advertisement of the SSF, which often does not correspond to the scientific evidence, such as health claims. The aim is to analyze such claims relating to sports drinks (SDs) in commercial messages. To this end, an observational and cross-sectional study was conducted based on the analysis of the content and degree of adequacy of the health claims indicated on the labelling or technical data sheet of the SDs with those established by the European legislation in force according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The SSFs were searched for via Amazon and Google Shopping. A total of 114 health claims were evaluated. No claim fully conformed with the recommendations. A total of 14 claims (n = 13 products) almost conformed to the recommendations; they were "Maintain endurance level in exercises requiring prolonged endurance", "Improve water absorption during physical exercise", and "Improved physical performance during high intensity, high duration physical exercise in trained adults", representing 12.3% of the total (n = 114). The vast majority of the claims identified indicated an unproven cause-effect and should be modified or eliminated, which amounts to food fraud towards the consumer.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Dolores Rodríguez-Hernández
- Research Group on Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ángel Gil-Izquierdo
- Research Group on Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Carlos Javier García
- Research Group on Quality, Safety, and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Gabaldón
- Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation Group (REM), Health Sciences Department, Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus Los Jerónimos 135, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Federico Ferreres
- Molecular Recognition and Encapsulation Group (REM), Health Sciences Department, Universidad Católica de Murcia, Campus Los Jerónimos 135, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Daniel Giménez-Monzó
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science Health, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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Ryan T, Daly E, Ryan L. Carbohydrate beliefs and practices of ultra-endurance runners in Ireland for gastrointestinal symptom management. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1408101. [PMID: 38883858 PMCID: PMC11176419 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1408101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the carbohydrate beliefs and practices of ultra-endurance runners in Ireland to gain an understanding of their gastrointestinal symptom (GIS) management strategies. Methodology An adapted version of a previously developed and validated questionnaire was distributed online to ultra-endurance runners, recognized as those who completed a single bout of exercise lasting 4 or more hours. The questionnaire asked about carbohydrate awareness and sourcing, and dietary practices, particularly in relation to GIS management. Results A total of n = 68 individuals completed the adapted questionnaire. Of these, n = 1 was excluded due to their reporting of an ulcerative colitis diagnosis. The remaining participants included 46 men and 21 women. Personal previous experience was the main source directing participants' nutrition practices (n = 30), while only 3 participants quoted sourcing information from qualified professionals. Forty-two participants experienced GIS, usually equally around training and competition times. Many participants had not previously implemented any specific dietary or non-dietary strategies to alleviate exercise-induced GIS. Supplementing with nitrates (n = 9) and probiotics (n = 4) were the most common dietary practices to alleviate GIS, while other practices (n = 14) and portion control (n = 13) were the most reported non-dietary practices. Discussion Similar to previous studies, these findings suggest that GISs are prevalent in the ultra-endurance running community, occurring regardless of whether during training or an event. Similarly, this research highlights the vast range of GISs experienced by this population. However, the absence of both dietary and non-dietary-related practices used for GIS management alludes to a current deficit in the availability of nutrition information specific to this problem. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms behind ultra-endurance-associated GISs and its various management strategies as well as best practices for communicating these to the target audience to reduce individuals' risks of developing long-term, chronic health complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tansy Ryan
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technological University, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ed Daly
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technological University, Galway, Ireland
| | - Lisa Ryan
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technological University, Galway, Ireland
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Saenz C, Jordan A, Loriz L, Schill K, Colletto M, Rodriguez J. Low Energy Intake Leads to Body Composition and Performance Decrements in a Highly-Trained, Female Athlete: The WANDER (Woman's Activity and Nutrition during an Extensive Hiking Route) Case Study. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2024; 43:296-303. [PMID: 38019616 DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2023.2282614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This case study's purpose was to quantify energy intake vs energy expenditure during a thru-hiker's trek and assess its relationship to performance and health. METHODS A highly trained, female thru-hiker (Age (yrs): 62, Ht (cm): 157, Wt (kg): 53.5, BMI (kg/m2): 21.7, %BF: 26.0) embarked on a 4-month journey through the Pacific Crest Trail, USA. The athlete's body composition and 3-day diet record were assessed before (PRE) and after the hike (POST). During the hike, she tracked her diet and performance daily and completed a wellness survey each time she reached a town-check point. Data were analyzed for descriptive (weekly averages, means ± SD) and frequency statistics. RESULTS She spent 10 wk (∼70 days) on the trail and hiked 1,506.35 km (26.1 ± 3.2 km/day) with an estimated energy expenditure of ∼2334 ± 351 kcal/day. During the hike, she under consumed calories (1285.3 ± 103 kcal) and dietary carbohydrate (169.5 ± 19.5g), fat (49.7 ± 5.8g), protein (41.9 ± 4.8g; 0.8 g/kg), fiber (11.8 ± 2.1g) and sodium (1642.4 ± 298.6 mg) when compared to ultra-endurance nutrition recommendations. She was unable to complete the trail due to fatigue and anthropometric changes. By POST, she had decreased total mass (PRE: 53.5 kg vs POST: 48.4 kg), BMI (PRE 21.6 vs POST: 19.5), fat-free mass (PRE: 39.6 vs POST: 38.8), and body fat (PRE: 26% vs POST: 19.6%) when compared to PRE. CONCLUSION Trail-related challenges combined with high energy expenditures led to low nutrient intake which contributed to trail-ending injuries and performance decrements. Research aimed at addressing the barriers associated with thru-hike fueling is needed to identify nutritional opportunities to support hikers' performance and reduce injury risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Saenz
- Exercise Science-Kinesiology Program, Department of Human Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Aydan Jordan
- Exercise Science-Kinesiology Program, Department of Human Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Lillia Loriz
- School of Nursing, Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Judith Rodriguez
- Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Brooks College of Health, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Jiménez-Alfageme R, Álvarez J, Garbisu-Hualde A, Romero-García D, Giménez-Monzó D, Sospedra I, Ausó E, Martínez-Sanz JM. Are the Dietary-Nutritional Recommendations Met? Analysis of Intake in Endurance Competitions. Nutrients 2024; 16:189. [PMID: 38257082 PMCID: PMC10820672 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades the number of endurance events has increased, as well as the number of athletes participating in them. Adequate nutritional and water planning is essential to maintain optimal sports performance and to reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal problems. The main objective of this study is to determine the dietary intake and compliance with nutritional recommendations of athletes in two endurance competitions, as well as to assess the incidence of gastrointestinal complaints. METHODS An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out on the consumption of liquids, food, and supplements in 42 triathletes and mountain runners (MRs) participating in a Vi-Half-Gasteiz triathlon and the Ultra Sierra de Cazorla trail run. At the completion of the trials, participants completed a validated questionnaire (NIQEC). RESULTS The mean caloric intake during the test of the participants in this study was 192.17 kcal/h, while the mean carbohydrate intake was 43.67 g/h, the mean sodium intake was 267.43 mg/h, and the mean caffeine intake was 15.53 mg/h, with no significant differences between the two sports. The amount of liquids consumed by the participants was 421.21 mL/h, with no significant differences between the triathletes and MRs. As for gastrointestinal problems, it was observed that the participants presented gastrointestinal discomfort in 61.9% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS The intakes of energy, carbohydrates, water, sodium, and caffeine were lower than the current recommendations. There were no differences in the energy, carbohydrate, water, sodium, and caffeine intakes between the triathletes and mountain runners. Gastrointestinal problems showed a high prevalence in these athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Jiménez-Alfageme
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Gasteiz—EUNEIZ, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain;
| | - Javier Álvarez
- Estudis de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 08018 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Arkaitz Garbisu-Hualde
- Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Departmnet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Gasteiz—EUNEIZ, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain;
| | | | - Daniel Giménez-Monzó
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science Health, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Isabel Sospedra
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Eva Ausó
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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Jiménez-Alfageme R, Campodónico ME, Sospedra I, Giménez-Monzo D, García-Jaén M, Juliá-Sanchís R, Ausó E, Martínez-Sanz JM. Development of an Instrument to Evaluate the Intake of Liquids, Food and Supplements in Endurance Competitions: Nutritional Intake Questionnaire for Endurance Competitions-NIQEC. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081969. [PMID: 37111186 PMCID: PMC10143029 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the last few years endurance sports have experienced a great increase in the number of competitions and participants. Dietary-nutritional planning is key for performing well during such competitions. To date, there is no questionnaire expressly developed to be able to analyze the consumption of liquids, foods, and supplements, as well as gastrointestinal problems in these events. This study describes the development of the Nutritional Intake Questionnaire for Endurance Competitions (NIQEC). METHODS The study was composed in the following phases: (1) Bibliographic search for the most important nutrients, (2) focus groups (17 dietitian-nutritionists and 15 experienced athletes) and generation of items, (3) Delphi surveys, and (4) cognitive interviews. RESULTS After an initial shaping of the questionnaire with the items that emerged in the focus groups, their relevance was evaluated by means of the Delphi survey, which showed more than 80% approval for most items. Finally, the cognitive interviews indicated that the questionnaire was simple and complete for its purpose. The final NIQEC (n = 50 items) was divided in 5 sections: Demographic data; sports data; consumption of liquids, food and supplements before, during, and after the competition; gastrointestinal complaints, and dietary-nutritional planning for the competition. CONCLUSIONS The NICEQ is a useful tool that allows collecting information from participants on sociodemographic factors and gastrointestinal complaints, and estimating the intake of liquid, food, and supplements, for endurance competitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Jiménez-Alfageme
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, European University of Gasteiz-EUNEIZ, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | | | - Isabel Sospedra
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Daniel Giménez-Monzo
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Department of Community Nursing, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and History of Science Health, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Miguel García-Jaén
- Area of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Education, University of Alicante, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Rocío Juliá-Sanchís
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Eva Ausó
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, Faculty of Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - José Miguel Martínez-Sanz
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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Sebastiá-Rico J, Soriano JM, González-Gálvez N, Martínez-Sanz JM. Body Composition of Male Professional Soccer Players Using Different Measurement Methods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051160. [PMID: 36904159 PMCID: PMC10005265 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The performance of male soccer players (MSP) depends on multiple factors such as body composition. The physical demands of modern soccer have changed, so the ideal body composition (BC) requirements must be adapted to the present. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe the anthropometric, BC, and somatotype characteristics of professional MSP and to compare the values reported according to the methods and equations used. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science following the PRISMA statement. Random-effects meta-analysis, a pooled summary of means, and 95% CI (method or equation) were calculated. Random models were used with the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. Seventy-four articles were included in the systematic review and seventy-three in the meta-analysis. After comparing the groups according to the assessment method (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, and densitometry), significant differences were found in height, fat mass in kilograms, fat mass percentage, and fat-free mass in kilograms (p = 0.001; p < 0.0001). Taking into account the equation used to calculate the fat mass percentage and ∑skinfolds, significant differences were observed in the data reported according to groups (p < 0.001). Despite the limitations, this study provides useful information that could help medical technical staff to properly assess the BC of professional MSP, providing a range of guidance values for the different BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Sebastiá-Rico
- Area of Nutrition, University Clinic of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Physiotherapy (CUNAFF), Lluís Alcanyís Foundation-University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Jose M. Soriano
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Joint Research Unit of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.S.); (N.G.-G.); Tel.: +34-627146613 (N.G.-G.)
| | - Noelia González-Gálvez
- Sports Injury Prevention Research Group, Faculty of Sport, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), 30107 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.S.); (N.G.-G.); Tel.: +34-627146613 (N.G.-G.)
| | - José Miguel Martínez-Sanz
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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Jiménez-Alfageme R, Rubio-Quintanilla N, Romero-García D, Sanchez-Oliver AJ, Sospedra I, Martínez-Sanz JM. Are the Consumption Patterns of Sports Supplements Similar among Spanish Mountain Runners? Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020262. [PMID: 36678134 PMCID: PMC9866651 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of sports supplements (SS) to improve sports performance is widespread in all types of athletes, however, the specific characteristics of mountain races may require the use of certain SS. Despite being a sport where the consumption of SS seems widespread, few studies have been conducted in this regard. The objective of this study is to analyze the pattern of SS consumption of mountain runners in relation to the degree of scientific evidence, sex, and level of competition. METHODS Descriptive and cross-sectional study on the consumption and habitual use of SS of 357 federated mountain runners in Spain. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire. RESULTS From the total sample, 93.84% of the athletes stated that they consumed SS, with no differences observed based on the competitive level or in terms of sex; however, there were significant differences according to the competitive level in terms of the number of SS consumed, with consumption being greater at a higher competitive level (p = 0.009). The most consumed SS were sports bars (66.1%), sports drinks (60.5%), sports gels (52.9%), and caffeine (46.2%). CONCLUSIONS The consumption of SS in mountain races is high, and the number of SS consumed is higher as the competition level increases. The four SS most consumed by the participants in this study were all included in category A in the classification of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), this category is the one with the greatest scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Jiménez-Alfageme
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, European University of Gasteiz—EUNEIZ, 01013 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | | | - David Romero-García
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Antonio Jesús Sanchez-Oliver
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Motricidad Humana y Rendimiento Deportivo, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de Sevilla, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Isabel Sospedra
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - José Miguel Martínez-Sanz
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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Sports supplements use in mountain runners: differences by sex and competitive level. NUTR HOSP 2022; 39:1341-1348. [DOI: 10.20960/nh.04098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Eating Perception, Nutrition Knowledge and Body Image among Para-Athletes: Practical Challenges in Nutritional Support. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093120. [PMID: 34578997 PMCID: PMC8465964 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Limited information exists on dietary practices in para-athletes. The aim of this study was to clarify the actual situation of para-athletes' dietary practice and to sort out the factors (i.e., eating perception, nutrition knowledge, and body image), that may hinder their dietary practices, and explored the practical challenges in nutritional support and improving nutrition knowledge for para-athletes. Thirty-two Japanese para-athletes (22 men) and 45 collegiate student athletes without disabilities (27 men) participated in the online survey. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, eating perception, dietary practices, and nutrition knowledge. The Japanese version of the body appreciation scale was used to determine their body image. Para-athletes who answered that they knew their ideal amount and way of eating showed significantly higher body image scores (r = 0.604, p < 0.001). However, mean score for nutrition knowledge of para-athletes were significantly lower than collegiate student athletes (19.4 ± 6.8 vs. 24.2 ± 6.1 points, p = 0.001). Both groups did not identify a dietitian as the source of nutrition information or receiving their nutrition advice. The results indicate para-athletes have unique eating perceptions and inadequate nutrition knowledge. Future interventions are needed to examine nutritional supports and education in relation to the role of dietitians.
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Wirnitzer K, Motevalli M, Tanous DR, Gregori M, Wirnitzer G, Leitzmann C, Rosemann T, Knechtle B. Sex Differences in Supplement Intake in Recreational Endurance Runners-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2). Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082776. [PMID: 34444935 PMCID: PMC8402241 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been well-documented that female and male athletes differ in many physiological and psychological characteristics related to endurance performance. This sex-based difference appears to be associated with their nutritional demands including the patterns of supplement intake. However, there is a paucity of research addressing the sex differences in supplement intake amongst distance runners. The present study aimed to investigate and compare supplement intake between female and male distance runners (10 km, half-marathon, (ultra-)marathon) and the potential associations with diet type and race distance. A total of 317 runners participated in an online survey, and 220 distance runners (127 females and 93 males) made up the final sample after a multi-stage data clearance. Participants were also assigned to dietary (omnivorous, vegetarian, vegan) and race distance (10-km, half-marathon, marathon/ultra-marathon) subgroups. Sociodemographic characteristics and the patterns of supplement intake including type, frequency, dosage, and brands were collected using a questionnaire. One-way ANOVA and logistic regression were used for data analysis. A total of 54.3% of female runners and 47.3% male runners reported consuming supplements regularly. The frequency of supplement intake was similar between females and males (generally or across dietary and distance subgroups). There was no significant relationship for sex alone or sex interactions with diet type and race distance on supplement intake (p < 0.05). However, a non-significant higher intake of vitamin and mineral (but not CHO/protein) supplements was reported by vegan and vegetarian (but not by omnivorous) females compared to their male counterparts. In summary, despite the reported findings, sex could not be considered as a strong modulator of supplement intake among different groups of endurance runners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Wirnitzer
- Department of Subject Didactics and Educational Research and Development, University College of Teacher Education Tyrol, 6010 Innsbruck, Austria;
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.M.); (D.R.T.)
- Life and Health Science Cluster Tirol, Subcluster Health/Medicine/Psychology, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Research Center Medical Humanities, Leopold-Franzens University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mohamad Motevalli
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.M.); (D.R.T.)
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948979, Iran
| | - Derrick R. Tanous
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.M.); (D.R.T.)
| | - Martina Gregori
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | | | - Claus Leitzmann
- Institute of Nutrition, University of Gießen, 35390 Gießen, Germany;
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Beat Knechtle
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
- Medbase St. Gallen Am Vadianplatz, 9001 St. Gallen, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-(071)-226-9300
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Supplement Intake in Recreational Vegan, Vegetarian, and Omnivorous Endurance Runners-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2). Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13082741. [PMID: 34444901 PMCID: PMC8399632 DOI: 10.3390/nu13082741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrient deficiency is a common cause of underperformance in endurance athletes, and supplement intake is frequently considered compensatory for vegan and vegetarian athletes specifically. This study aimed to investigate the patterns of supplement intake among vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous distance (>10 km) runners and its association with age, sex, and race distance. From a total of 317 runners who participated in an online survey, 220 distance runners (mean age: 38.5 years; mean BMI: 21.75 kg/m2) were selected for the final sample after data clearance and assigned to 100 omnivores, 40 vegetarians, or 80 vegans. Sociodemographic information, racing experience, and patterns of supplement intake, including type, frequency, dosage, etc., were collected using a questionnaire. Macronutrient intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. ANOVA and logistic regression were used for data analysis. The prevalence of supplement intake was 51% for total runners and 72% among vegan runners. Age, sex, and race distance had no significant effect on the type of supplement intake (p > 0.05). Compared to omnivores and vegetarians, vegan runners reported consuming more vitamin (but not carbohydrate/protein or mineral) supplements (p < 0.05). Vitamin B12, magnesium, and multivitamin had the most prevalent use amongst micronutrient supplements. This study points to a central role for supplementary nutritional strategies in different groups of distance runners. The present findings may help future investigations by design to identify specific requirements of endurance runners when adhering to specific kinds of diet particularly plant-based diets.
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Development of a Sport Food Exchange List for Dietetic Practice in Sport Nutrition. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12082403. [PMID: 32796764 PMCID: PMC7468869 DOI: 10.3390/nu12082403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Food exchange lists have been widely used in dietary practice in health and disease situations, but there are still no exchange lists for sports foods. The aim of this study was to apply a previous published methodology to design food exchange lists to the development of a sports food exchange list, with sport products available in Spain. A cross-sectional study of the nutritional composition of sports foods, regarding macronutrients and energy, was carried out. A total of 322 sports foods from 18 companies were selected, taking into account their interest in sports practice and with nutritional data provided by companies. Sports foods were divided into seven groups: sports drinks; sports gels; sports bars; sports confectionery; protein powders; protein bars; and liquid meals. A sports food composition database based on portion size usually consumed by athletes and/or recommended in commercial packaging was created. Within each sports foods group, different subgroups were defined due to differences in the main and/or secondary macronutrient. The definition of each exchange list with the amounts—in grams—of each sports food within each group and subgroup, was done using statistical criteria such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and Z value. Final exchange values for energy and macronutrient have been established for each group and subgroup using a methodology to design food exchange lists previously published by the authors. In addition, those products with high Z values that can provide greater variability in dietary planning were included. The usefulness of sport foods lists as well as the use of an exchange system in the dietary practice of sports nutrition is discussed, and examples of how to use them with athletes are presented. This first sport foods exchange list showed in this study, with commercial sports products available in Spain, can be a novel tool for dietetic practice and also can allow sport nutrition professionals to develop another sport food list using the methodology described in this paper. Its management would allow dietitians to adapt dietary plans more precisely to the training and/or competition of the athlete.
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