1
|
Otte CJ, Mantzioris E, Salagaras BS, Hill AM. Comparison of Australian Football League Women's athletes match day energy and nutrient intake to recommendations. Nutr Diet 2024; 81:325-334. [PMID: 38747095 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12874] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This cross-sectional observational study quantified Australian Football League Women's athletes' match volume, and compared match-day dietary intakes against recommendations. METHODS Self-report, direct observation, and fluid measurements determined dietary intake (n = 17, 25 ± 4.5 years, 22.8 ± 1.8 kg/m2) on five home match days (early or late starting). Global positioning system software captured match volume. Linear mixed effects models evaluated differences in early versus late match volume and nutrient intakes. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS Athletes covered 6712 ± 622 m during matches, with similar numbers of very high-intensity running efforts over equal distances in early and late matches (early vs. late efforts [no.]: 8.5 ± 4.9 vs. 9.5 ± 5.5; distance [m]: 203 ± 127 vs. 212 ± 113). Across all match days, 71% (n = 12) of athletes met their predicted daily energy requirements. However, 82% (n = 14) failed to meet minimum daily carbohydrate recommendations; intake was lower on early compared with late match days (4.7 g/day vs. 5.4 g/kg/day, p = 0.027). On average, no athletes met carbohydrate recommendations in the 2 h prior to a match and only 24% (n = 4) met recommendations during matches. All athletes met post-match carbohydrate and protein requirements. CONCLUSION Athletes cover large distances during games with frequent bursts of high-intensity running. However, they do not adjust their intake to meet the energy demands of competition, with inadequate fuelling prior to and during matches. These findings emphasise the need for greater athlete education and dietary support to maximise strategic fuelling to optimise athletic performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Otte
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Evangeline Mantzioris
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Brianna S Salagaras
- Football Department, Adelaide Football Club, West Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alison M Hill
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vardardottir B, Gudmundsdottir SL, Tryggvadottir EA, Olafsdottir AS. Patterns of energy availability and carbohydrate intake differentiate between adaptable and problematic low energy availability in female athletes. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1390558. [PMID: 38783864 PMCID: PMC11111999 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1390558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Problematic low energy availability (EA) is the underlying culprit of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), and its consequences have been suggested to be exacerbated when accompanied by low carbohydrate (CHO) intakes. Objectives This study compared dietary intake, nutrition status and occurrence of REDs symptoms in groups of female athletes, displaying different patterns of EA and CHO intake. Methods Female athletes (n = 41, median age 20.4 years) from various sports weighed and recorded their food intake and training for 7 consecutive days via a photo-assisted mobile application. Participants were divided into four groups based on patterns of EA and CHO intakes: sufficient to optimal EA and sufficient to optimal CHO intake (SEA + SCHO), SEA and low CHO intake (SEA + LCHO), low energy availability and SCHO (LEA + SCHO), and LEA and LCHO (LEA + LCHO). SEA patterns were characterised by EA ≥30 and LEA by EA <30 kcal/kg fat free mass, and SCHO patterns characterised by CHO intake ≥3.0 and LCHO <3.0 g/kg body weight for most of the registered days. Body composition was measured with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, resting metabolic rate with indirect calorimetry and serum blood samples were collected for evaluation of nutrition status. Behavioural risk factors and self-reported symptoms of REDs were assessed with the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short (EDE-QS), Exercise Addiction Inventory, and Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory. Results In total, 36.6% were categorised as SEA + SCHO, of which 5/16 were ball sport, 7/10 endurance, 1/7 aesthetic, 2/5 weight-class, and 0/3 weight-class athletes. Of LEA + LCHO athletes (19.5% of all), 50% came from ball sports. Aesthetic and endurance athletes reported the greatest training demands, with weekly training hours higher for aesthetic compared to ball sports (13.1 ± 5.7 vs. 6.7 ± 3.4 h, p = 0.012). Two LEA + LCHO and one SEA + LCHO athlete exceeded the EDE-QS cutoff. LEA + LCHO evaluated their sleep and energy levels as worse, and both LEA groups rated their recovery as worse compared to SEA + SCHO. Conclusion Repeated exposures to LEA and LCHO are associated with a cluster of negative implications in female athletes. In terms of nutrition strategies, sufficient EA and CHO intakes appear to be pivotal in preventing REDs.
Collapse
|
3
|
Pai NN, Brown RC, Black KE. Risk of low energy availability and nutrition knowledge among female team sport athletes. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2024; 64:446-454. [PMID: 38305006 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.23.15273-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutrition knowledge influences adequate dietary intake in athletes. Inadequate dietary intakes can result in low energy availability (LEA) which can lead to relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). To date, there is little information on the relationship between nutrition knowledge and the risk of LEA in female team sport athletes. This study investigates if general and sports nutrition knowledge are associated with the risk of LEA in female team athletes. METHODS A cross-sectional design was used. Female athletes (>16 years) who participate in team sports in New Zealand were asked to complete an online questionnaire. The LEA in Females Questionnaire and the Abridged Sport Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire were included. LEA risk and general/sports nutrition knowledge were assessed. The relationship between LEA risk and knowledge was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis Test of independent variables and χ2 tests. RESULTS Among 100 female athletes, 53% were at-risk for LEA, and 70% (N.=67) had poor nutrition knowledge. Athletes who were "at-risk" for LEA and those who were "not at-risk" for LEA did not differ statistically in terms of age (P=0.350) or BMI (P=0.576). Of those "not at risk" 54% had an A-NSK score between 50 and 60% (i.e., average knowledge), whereas 54% of the athletes who were "at risk" for LEA had poor nutrition knowledge. There was no statistical difference between the groups (P=0.273). CONCLUSIONS The poor nutrition knowledge and the high rates of those "at risk" of LEA among team sports athletes indicates the need for more nutrition education in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Namratha N Pai
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Dietetics and Applied Nutrition, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Rachel C Brown
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Katherine E Black
- Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand -
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Otte CJ, Mantzioris E, Salagaras BS, Hill AM. Seasonal health tracking of Australian Football League Women's athletes. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024; 8:103-111. [PMID: 36744433 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2175901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies evaluating the dietary intake of Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) athletes are few and limited to the preseason. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate seasonal changes in dietary intake and health parameters of professional AFLW athletes. METHODOLOGY Dietary intake (3-day weighed food records), body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis, skinfolds), physical performance (global positioning system, GPS), and iron status (fasted blood sample) were assessed in 19 athletes (24 ± 5 years, 170 ± 6 cm, 22.8 ± 2.1 kg/m2) at three timepoints: start of preseason, end of preseason, and end of competition season. Sociodemographic information, sports nutrition knowledge (SNK), and risk of low energy availability (LEA) questionnaires were completed at the start of preseason. RESULTS Mean daily energy and carbohydrate (CHO) intakes were lower than recommendations across all seasons (p < 0.05). Mean daily CHO intake was highest at start of preseason (3.6 g/kg/day), decreased during preseason (3.1 g/day) and remained low during competition (3.2 g/day); >80% of players did not meet minimum recommendations at each timepoint (all, p < 0.05). The sum of seven skinfolds and fat mass (%) decreased during preseason (both, p < 0.05). Serum iron fell within recommended ranges for 95% of athletes at all timepoints. The total distance (m) and number of Very High Intensity (>21 km/h) efforts significantly increased across preseason and decreased during competition (all, p < 0.05). Nutrition knowledge was 'poor', and 42% of athletes were at risk of LEA. CONCLUSIONS AFLW athletes do not meet energy and carbohydrate requirements across the preseason and competition seasons, which may impact health and performance if deficits are sustained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe J Otte
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Evangeline Mantzioris
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brianna S Salagaras
- Football Department, Adelaide Football Club, West Lakes, Australia
- Performance Health, Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, Nathan, Australia
| | - Alison M Hill
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Renard M, Kelly DT, Ní Chéilleachair N, Lavelle F, Ó Catháin C. Cooking and food skills confidence of team sport athletes in Ireland. NUTR BULL 2023; 48:329-342. [PMID: 37435875 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Nutritional support often focuses on cooking and food skills such as food selection, recipe planning and meal preparation. Individuals with greater cooking and food skills confidence have previously displayed higher diet quality scores and lower intakes of overall calories, saturated fat and sugar. Despite this, the cooking and food skills of team sport athletes have yet to be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cooking and food skills confidence and athletes' demographic characteristics. A validated measure for the assessment of cooking and food skills confidence was distributed via an online survey. Participants were required to rate their confidence on a Likert scale (1 "very poor" - 7 "very good") for 14 items related to cooking skills and 19 items for food skills. Food engagement, general health interest and self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption as a measure of diet quality were also measured. The survey was completed by 266 team sport athletes (male: 150, female: 116, age: 24.8 ± 6.1 years). Group differences were explored using t-tests and ANOVA and associations were evaluated using Spearman's correlation and hierarchical multiple regressions. Athletes' total cooking and food skills confidence was 62.7 ± 17.4 (64.0 ± 17.8%) and 83.8 ± 20.1 (63.0 ± 15.1%), respectively. Females reported greater confidence in both cooking (+20.3%, p < 0.01) and food skills (+9.2%, p < 0.01). Hierarchical multiple regressions explained 48.8% of the variance in cooking skills confidence and 44% of the variance in food skills confidence with gender, previous culinary training, cooking learning stage, general health interest and food engagement all remaining significant in the cooking skills confidence model and cooking frequency, previous culinary training, general health interest and food engagement remaining significant in the food skills confidence model. Male team sport athletes may benefit the most from educational interventions designed to increase cooking and food skills confidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Renard
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon, Westmeath, Ireland
- SHE Research Group, Technological University of the Shannon, Westmeath, Ireland
| | - David T Kelly
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon, Westmeath, Ireland
- SHE Research Group, Technological University of the Shannon, Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Niamh Ní Chéilleachair
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon, Westmeath, Ireland
- SHE Research Group, Technological University of the Shannon, Westmeath, Ireland
| | - Fiona Lavelle
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Life Course & Population Sciences, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Ciarán Ó Catháin
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technological University of the Shannon, Westmeath, Ireland
- SHE Research Group, Technological University of the Shannon, Westmeath, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Magee MK, Jones MT, Fields JB, Kresta J, Khurelbaatar C, Dodge C, Merfeld B, Ambrosius A, Carpenter M, Jagim AR. Body Composition, Energy Availability, Risk of Eating Disorder, and Sport Nutrition Knowledge in Young Athletes. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061502. [PMID: 36986231 PMCID: PMC10052043 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061502] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Young athletes may be at risk for low energy availability (LEA) or dietary habits that are indicative of eating disorders. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of LEA among high school athletes and examine those at risk for eating disorders. A secondary aim was to examine relationships between sport nutrition knowledge, body composition, and LEA. METHODS 94 male (n = 42) and female (n = 52) mean ± SD age: 18.09 ± 2.44 y; height: 172.6 ± 9.8 cm; body mass: 68.7 ± 14.5 kg; BMI: 22.91 ± 3.3 kg·m-2) athletes completed a body composition assessment and electronic versions of the abridged sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire (ASNK-Q), brief eating disorder in athletes questionnaire (BEDA-Q), and the low energy availability for females questionnaire (LEAF-Q; females only). RESULTS 52.1% of female athletes were classified as being at risk for LEA. Moderate inverse relationships existed for computed LEAF-Q scores and BMI (r = -0.394; p < 0.01). A total of 42.9% of males (n = 18) and 68.6% of females (n = 35) were at risk for eating disorders, with females being at greater risk (p < 0.01). Body fat percentage was a predictor (β = -0.095; p = -0.01) for eating disorder risk status. For every 1 unit increase in body fat percentage, athletes were 0.909 (95% CI: 0.845-0.977) times less likely to be classified as at risk for an eating disorder. Male (46.5 ± 13.9) and female (46.9 ± 11.4) athletes scored poorly on the ASNK-Q, with no differences between sex (p = 0.895). CONCLUSIONS Female athletes were at a greater risk for eating disorders. No relationships existed between sport nutrition knowledge and %BF. Female athletes with a higher %BF had a lower risk for an eating disorder and risk for LEA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan K Magee
- Frank Pettrone Center for Sports Performance, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- Kinesiology, School of Sport Recreation and Tourism Management, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA
| | - Margaret T Jones
- Frank Pettrone Center for Sports Performance, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- Kinesiology, School of Sport Recreation and Tourism Management, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 22030, USA
- Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Jennifer B Fields
- Exercise Science and Athletic Training, Springfield College, Springfield, MA 01109, USA
| | - Julie Kresta
- Exercise Physiology and Human Performance, Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Killeen, TX 76549, USA
| | - Chinguun Khurelbaatar
- Exercise & Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
| | - Christopher Dodge
- Exercise & Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
| | - Brandon Merfeld
- Exercise & Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
| | - Abby Ambrosius
- Exercise & Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
| | - Makenna Carpenter
- Exercise & Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
| | - Andrew R Jagim
- Frank Pettrone Center for Sports Performance, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
- Exercise & Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
- Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nutritional Intake and Training Load of Professional Female Football Players during a Mid-Season Microcycle. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14102149. [PMID: 35631290 PMCID: PMC9146243 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Football (soccer) is a high-intensity intermittent sport with large energy demands. In a repeated-measures design, we analysed the nutritional intake and training load of fourteen female football players (22.50 ± 4.38 y; 57.23 ± 8.61 kg; 164 ± 6.00 cm; 18.33 ± 2.48% of fat mass and 23.71 ± 2.51 kg of muscle mass) competing in the highest female Football Portuguese League across a typical mid-season microcycle. The microcycle had one match day (MD), one recovery session (two days after the MD, MD+2), three training sessions (MD-3, MD-2, MD-1) and two rest days (MD+1). Energy intake and CHO (g.kg.BW−1) intake were lower on the days before the competition (MD+2, MD-3, MD-2 and MD-1 vs. MD; p < 0.05; ES: 0.60−1.30). Total distance, distance covered at high-speed running (HSRD) and the high metabolic distance load (HMLD) were lower on MD+2, MD-3 and MD-1 compared with MD (p < 0.05; ES: <0.2−5.70). The internal training load was lower in all training sessions before the competition (MD+2, MD-3, MD-2 and MD-1 vs. MD; p ≤ 0.01; ES: 1.28−5.47). Despite the small sample size and a single assessment in time, the results suggest that caloric and CHO intake were below the recommendations and were not structured based on the physical requirements for training sessions or match days.
Collapse
|