Nutrients

Research

14 pages, 1777 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between Dance Training Volume, Body Composition, and Habitual Diet in Female Collegiate Dancers: The Intercollegiate Artistic Athlete Research Assessment (TIAARA) Study

by Catherine Saenz, David J. Sanders, Samantha J. Brooks, Lacey Bracken, Aydan Jordan, Justen Stoner, Emaly Vatne, Marley Wahler and Ann F. Brown

Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3733; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213733 - 31 Oct 2024

Viewed by 711

Abstract

Background: This study’s purpose was to evaluate the relationship between dance training volume, body composition, and habitual diet in female collegiate dancers. Methods: Thirty-three female collegiate dancers from three dance programs (20.4 ± 1.05 yrs.; 165.4 ± 11.3 cm, BMI 21.3 ± 3.4 [...] Read more.

Background: This study’s purpose was to evaluate the relationship between dance training volume, body composition, and habitual diet in female collegiate dancers. Methods: Thirty-three female collegiate dancers from three dance programs (20.4 ± 1.05 yrs.; 165.4 ± 11.3 cm, BMI 21.3 ± 3.4 kg/m²) participated in “The Intercollegiate Artistic Athlete Research Assessment (TIAARA)” study. We assessed dance training volume, body composition, and habitual diet. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means ± SD). Two-sample t-tests were conducted to compare reported intake values versus sports nutrition recommendations. Two-tailed Pearson correlations (r) were computed for body composition and dietary intake (p < 0.05). Results: Collegiate dancers were enrolled in 16 ± 2.09 semester credits, with 7.7 ± 3.8 credits as dance movement courses and an additional 3.0 ± 1.5 h/week of rehearsal time. Body composition assessments included fat mass (24.4 ± 6.8%), lean mass (LM) (42.4 ± 10.1 kg), and total body water (32.6 ± 4.6 L). Habitual diets reflected a low-calorie diet (1399 ± 648 kcal/d), with ~20% of dancers consuming a very low-calorie diet (≤1000 kcal/d). Dancers reported under-consuming dietary protein (54.3 ± 26.2 g) and carbohydrate (171.8 ± 77.8 g). LM was positively correlated with daily total energy (r = 0.333), fat (r = 0.37), protein (r = 0.349), and leucine intake (r = 0.352). Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the positive effect of adequate nutritional quantity and quality on body composition in female collegiate dancers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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11 pages, 1083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Balance and Dietary Intake in Young Rugby Players during a Pre-Season Micro-Cycle: A Cluster Analysis

by Maher Souabni, Giovanna C Del Sordo, Freddy Maso, Paul Peyrel, Clément Maviel, Fabrice Vercruyssen, Pascale Duché and Oussama Saidi

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2863; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172863 - 27 Aug 2024

Viewed by 924

Abstract

Rugby players must develop excellent levels of conditioning during adolescence. However, this pivotal period of life is also characterized by a surge in biological growth, which further increases the energy and nutritional requirements of this population. This study examined within-individual differences in energy [...] Read more.

Rugby players must develop excellent levels of conditioning during adolescence. However, this pivotal period of life is also characterized by a surge in biological growth, which further increases the energy and nutritional requirements of this population. This study examined within-individual differences in energy intake (EI) and energy balance (EB) of 46 young rugby players during a pre-season micro-cycle. Two clusters were identified with significantly different characteristics and EB states, suggesting that young rugby players adjust their EI to match their body composition goals. The first cluster is characterized by players with a low body fat% (12.87 ± 2.53). They had a positive EB (330 ± 517 kcal), suggesting a goal of increasing muscle mass. Conversely, the second cluster is characterized by a higher body fat% (23.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.005) and reported a negative, lower EB (−683 ± 425 kcal, p < 0.005), suggesting a goal focused on reducing fat mass. Although our study provides more optimistic results than previous ones regarding the high risk of inadequate EI in young rugby players, we emphasize the importance of rigorous nutritional support, especially for players aiming to lose weight, to avoid severe caloric restriction, as well as the downstream effects of such practices on their nutritional status, given the higher risk of macro- (e.g., CHO < 6 g/kg/d) and micronutrient (e.g., iron < 11 mg/d, calcium < 1300 mg/d, vitamin D < 5 mg/d) deficiencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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16 pages, 1688 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Development and Validation of a Disordered Eating Screening Tool for Current and Former Athletes: The Athletic Disordered Eating (ADE) Screening Tool

by Georgina L. Buckley, Annie-Claude M. Lassemillante, Matthew B. Cooke and Regina Belski

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2758; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162758 - 19 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1399

Abstract

Background: Current and former athletes are one of the most at-risk population groups for disordered eating (DE), impacting their dietary practices, body composition, performance and health during and following their athletic careers. Few comprehensive DE screening tools exist for this group. To help [...] Read more.

Background: Current and former athletes are one of the most at-risk population groups for disordered eating (DE), impacting their dietary practices, body composition, performance and health during and following their athletic careers. Few comprehensive DE screening tools exist for this group. To help address this, the current study utilised a mixed-methods approach of Classic Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) to develop and validate a DE screening tool suitable for current and former athletes. Methods: Novel scale development methodologies were used to develop and assess the validity (content, face, cross-cultural, construct), test-retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, factor analysis and Rasch analysis of a new DE scale. Results: A new validated Athletic Disordered Eating (ADE) screening tool was created, with 17 items and four subscales (food control, bingeing, body control, body discontent), with an internal consistency reliability of 0.91, excellent content and construct validity, an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of 0.97 and excellent Rasch model fit. Conclusions: The ADE screening tool has been dually developed for research purposes and as a clinically applicable screening tool to detect DE in current and former athletes and is suitable for a global use across sporting categories, diverse genders and levels of competition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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14 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Indicators in Male Adolescent Endurance Athletes: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study

by Thomas Birkedal Stenqvist, Anna Katarina Melin and Monica Klungland Torstveit

Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5086; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245086 - 12 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3005

Abstract

Longitudinal measurements of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) among adolescent male elite athletes are lacking. We aimed to monitor REDs indicators and their possible impact on performance in elite high-school cross-country skiing and biathlon athletes (n = 13) (16.3 ± 0.4 [...] Read more.

Longitudinal measurements of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) among adolescent male elite athletes are lacking. We aimed to monitor REDs indicators and their possible impact on performance in elite high-school cross-country skiing and biathlon athletes (n = 13) (16.3 ± 0.4 years, 179.4 ± 7.6 cm, 63.6 ± 8.2 kg body mass (BM), and peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak): 61.5 ± 5.3 mL/kg BM/min) every 6 months for 3 years. Protocols included assessments of energy availability (EA), body composition and bone mineral density (BMD), resting metabolic rate (RMR), disordered eating behavior, exercise addiction, VO_2peak, and muscle strength. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model. At baseline, 38% had low lumbar BMD (Z-score ≤ −1), and overall, bone health increased only slightly. VO_2peak and muscle strength improved (p < 0.001), RMR decreased (p = 0.016), and no change was observed in EA or physiological or psychological REDs indicators. Conclusively, many of these young male athletes had poor bone health at baseline, and most either lost or did not achieve the expected pubertal bone mineral accrual, although no other indication of REDs was observed, while performance improved during the study period. Our findings highlight the importance of elite sports high schools focusing on screening for early detection of impaired bone health in male athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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15 pages, 1127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Under-Fuelling for the Work Required? Assessment of Dietary Practices and Physical Loading of Adolescent Female Soccer Players during an Intensive International Training and Game Schedule

by Samuel J. McHaffie, Carl Langan-Evans, Juliette A. Strauss, José L. Areta, Christopher Rosimus, Martin Evans, Ruth Waghorn and James P. Morton

Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4508; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214508 - 24 Oct 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2686

Abstract

Previous studies demonstrate that “under-fuelling” (i.e., reduced carbohydrate (CHO) and energy intake (EI) in relation to recommended guidelines) is prevalent within adult female soccer players, the consequence of which may have acute performance and chronic health implications. However, the dietary practices of adolescent [...] Read more.

Previous studies demonstrate that “under-fuelling” (i.e., reduced carbohydrate (CHO) and energy intake (EI) in relation to recommended guidelines) is prevalent within adult female soccer players, the consequence of which may have acute performance and chronic health implications. However, the dietary practices of adolescent female soccer players, a population who may be particularly at risk for the negative aspects of low energy availability (LEA), are not well documented. Accordingly, we aimed to quantify EI and CHO intake, physical loading and estimated energy availability (EA) in elite national team adolescent female soccer players (n = twenty-three; age, 17.9 ± 0.5 years) during a 10-day training and game schedule comprising two match days on day six (MDa) and nine (MDb). The players self-reported their EI via the remote food photography method, whilst the physical loading and associated exercise energy expenditure were assessed via GPS technology. The relative CHO intake was significantly greater (all p < 0.05) on the day before the first match (MD-1a) (4.1 ± 0.8 g·kg⁻¹), on the day before the second match (MD-1b) (4.3 ± 1.1 g·kg⁻¹), MDa (4.8 ± 1.2 g·kg⁻¹) and MDb (4.8 ± 1.4 g·kg⁻¹) in comparison to most other days (<4 g·kg⁻¹). The mean daily measured EA over the 10-day period was 34 ± 12 kcal·kg FFM⁻¹·day⁻¹ (with six players, i.e., 34%, presenting LEA), though, when adjusting the energy intake for potential under-reporting, these values changed substantially (44 ± 14 kcal·kg FFM⁻¹·day⁻¹, only one player was classed as presenting LEA). Such data suggest that the prevalence of LEA amongst female team sport athletes may be over-estimated. Nonetheless, players are still likely under-fuelling for the work required in relation to the daily CHO recommendations (i.e., >6 g·kg⁻¹) for intensive training and game schedules. These data provide further evidence for the requirement to create and deliver targeted player and stakeholder education and behaviour change interventions (especially for younger athletes) that aim to promote increased daily CHO intake in female soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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15 pages, 2495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One Season in Professional Cycling Is Enough to Negatively Affect Bone Health

by Francisco Javier Martínez-Noguera, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Raquel Ortolano-Ríos and Cristian Marín-Pagán

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163632 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3326

Abstract

Cycling is a very popular sport worldwide, and several studies have already indicated that cycling at various levels has a negative impact on bone health. This is of concern to both performance and health managers of many cycling teams at different levels because [...] Read more.

Cycling is a very popular sport worldwide, and several studies have already indicated that cycling at various levels has a negative impact on bone health. This is of concern to both performance and health managers of many cycling teams at different levels because of its economic and social impact. Based on the scientific literature, we hypothesize that a single season at the professional level can negatively affect bone health status. The aim of this study was to assess how professional cycling affects bone health markers after one season. Densitometry was used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), T-score and Z-score in professional cyclists after one season. After one season at the professional level, cyclists’ BMD decreased significantly in the legs, trunk, ribs and pelvis (p ≤ 0.05). BMC decreased in the arms and spine (p ≤ 0.05). BA decreased significantly in the arms and spine (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, a significant decrease in Z-score (p ≤ 0.05) and a decreasing trend in T-score and total BMD (p = 0.06) were observed. One season of professional cycling is enough to negatively affect bone health status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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13 pages, 1055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutritional Supplement Use in a UK High-Performance Swimming Club

by Josh W. Newbury, S. Andy Sparks, Matthew Cole, Adam L. Kelly and Lewis A. Gough

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3306; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153306 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2594

Abstract

The aim of this study was to observe the nutritional supplement practices of highly trained swimmers on a national talent pathway, since it is often reported that swimmers engage in widespread supplement use at the elite level. Thus, this study employed a validated [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to observe the nutritional supplement practices of highly trained swimmers on a national talent pathway, since it is often reported that swimmers engage in widespread supplement use at the elite level. Thus, this study employed a validated supplement intake questionnaire with forty-four swimmers from a high-performance swimming club, which had three distinct talent stages: development (aged 11–14 years, n = 20), age-group (aged 13–17 years, n = 13), and national level (aged ≥ 16 years, n = 11). Ninety-eight percent of the interviewed swimmers reported using at least one supplement, with performance (34%) and recovery (19%) cited as the primary reasons. National swimmers used more total supplements (8.1 ± 3.4 supplements) compared to age-group (4.8 ± 2.0 supplements, p = 0.003, g = 1.17) and development (3.9 ± 1.7 supplements, p < 0.001, g = 1.69) swimmers, mostly because of a greater intake of ergogenic aids (2.4 ± 1.4 supplements vs. age-group: 0.5 ± 0.5 supplements, p < 0.001, g = 1.12; vs. development: 0.1 ± 0.2 supplements, p < 0.001, g = 1.81). Parents/guardians were the primary supplement informants of development swimmers (74%, p < 0.001, V = 0.50), whereas performance nutritionists informed ~50% of supplements used by age-group and national swimmers (p < 0.001, V = 0.51). Based on these results, supplement education and greater focus on basic sport nutrition practices may be required for parents/guardians at the development level. Moreover, further research is needed to support the high number of ergogenic aids used by national swimmers, with the efficacy of these supplements currently equivocal in the applied setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

18 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessReview

Contemporary Themes in Dietary Intake in Rugby Union Players: A Narrative Review

by Charlie J. Roberts and Lewis A. Gough

Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 3011; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16173011 - 6 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Rugby union is an intermittent team sport with variability in body composition and match-play demands between positions which requires careful consideration for individual dietary requirements. While previous reviews have detailed the macronutrient intake in rugby players, none have discussed the further determinants of [...] Read more.

Rugby union is an intermittent team sport with variability in body composition and match-play demands between positions which requires careful consideration for individual dietary requirements. While previous reviews have detailed the macronutrient intake in rugby players, none have discussed the further determinants of dietary intake in this population. Therefore, the purpose of the current review was to summarise the current evidence detailing dietary intake in rugby union players, report on contemporary nutritional research themes, and provide recommendations for athletes, nutritionists, and other stakeholders. In total, eighteen articles report on dietary intake in rugby players, with only one of these detailing dietary intake in female athletes. Recent studies have reported on both protein and carbohydrate periodisation practices in rugby union players; however, there is currently limited evidence as to the influence of these on performance, recovery, and well-being. Factors influencing eating patterns, the impact of sports nutritionists on dietary intake, and food consumption in catered and non-catered environments has been explored in isolated studies. Nutrition knowledge levels in rugby players have been reported in several studies; however, the influence this has on dietary intake in rugby players is unknown. Collectively, despite new contemporary themes emerging in the literature concerning dietary intake in rugby players, the studies are isolated; as such, there is limited scope to the translatability of information due to heterogeneity in sex, level of play, and location of participants. Given this, future research should aim to build upon the themes identified in this review in combination to support practitioners working within their specific environments. This will subsequently build towards the generation of rugby-specific recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

32 pages, 1949 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Understanding the Interplay between Dietary Practices, Body Composition, and Sports Performance in Athletes

by Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez, Pedro Belinchón-deMiguel, Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, Ismael Martínez-Guardado, Carlota Valeria Villanueva-Tobaldo and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez

Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040571 - 19 Feb 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 14694

Abstract

The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the [...] Read more.

The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the intricate relationships between nutrition, body composition, and performance. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that many athletes fail to adopt optimal nutritional practices, which can impede their potential achievements. In response, this Special Issue seeks to gather research papers that delve into athletes’ dietary practices and their potential impacts on body composition and sports performance. Additionally, studies focusing on interventions aimed at optimizing dietary habits are encouraged. This paper outlines the key aspects and points that will be developed in the ensuing articles of this Special Issue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 467 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nutritional Considerations for Elite Golf: A Narrative Review

by Nicholas Berlin, Matthew B. Cooke and Regina Belski

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4116; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194116 - 23 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3532

Abstract

Golf is predominantly a skill-based sport where technical aspects are regarded as a priority area for improving performance. At present, most of the existing literature has focused on improving a player’s physicality, endurance and technical attributes in an effort to enhance performance. While [...] Read more.

Golf is predominantly a skill-based sport where technical aspects are regarded as a priority area for improving performance. At present, most of the existing literature has focused on improving a player’s physicality, endurance and technical attributes in an effort to enhance performance. While important, the role of nutrition in elite golf has received little attention to date. The energy demands of the sport can vary depending on the level of the individual (recreational–professional), with distances of up to 20 km being covered and the time spent on the course ranging approximately 4–8 h each day. Like other sports, a focus on pre-game, during and post-game nutrition, including hydration, is integral to ensuring that individuals are adequately fuelled, hydrated and optimally recovered. For the elite athletes who travel extensively to international tournaments, it is important to understand the additional impact of travel on the body and consider the role nutrition can play in preventing illness and ensuring minimal disruption to golf performance. Lastly, the role of dietary supplements to enhance the performance of golfers is also important to consider. This review aims to consolidate the findings of the existing research focusing on nutrition strategies for golf performance and identify areas for potential future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

12 pages, 557 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Motivations for Using Dietary Supplements in Elite Ice Hockey—Controlling Weight and Enhancing Performance

by Sofie Christensen, Astrid Gjelstad, Ingunn Björnsdottir and Fredrik Lauritzen

Nutrients 2024, 16(16), 2667; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162667 - 13 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1377

Abstract

Background: Excessive or improper use of dietary supplements (DSs) by athletes may cause adverse effects, such as impaired performance or failing a doping test, making it important for athletes to mitigate risk and make well-informed choices when using supplements. Methods: This study used [...] Read more.

Background: Excessive or improper use of dietary supplements (DSs) by athletes may cause adverse effects, such as impaired performance or failing a doping test, making it important for athletes to mitigate risk and make well-informed choices when using supplements. Methods: This study used focus group interviews to examine the attitudes, motivations, and practices related to DSs among male elite ice hockey players. Results: The players used a wide range of products, ranging from vitamins to multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements. Consuming DSs was considered as a practical and convenient way to ingest sufficient calories to gain or maintain the body weight and muscle mass needed to meet the physical requirements of the sport. The athletes demonstrated a lenient and ignorant attitude when acquiring and using supplements, with a non-critical trust in the guidance provided to them by the coach or physician. Having completed basic anti-doping education in the form of an e-learning program did not appear to result in taking a more careful approach to using DSs. Conclusions: Through their DS practices, elite ice hockey players may put themselves at risk for anti-doping rule violations. A comprehensive approach is needed when aiming to prevent unintentional doping in this athlete cohort. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)

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