Nutrient Intakes and Dietary Behaviors of Male and Female Collegiate Athletes

TLDR

The study assessed dietary intakes and behaviors of male and female collegiate athletes. Athletes (n = 345) completed an anonymous questionnaire, and their responses were analyzed with t‑tests, χ², ANOVA, and multiple linear regression controlling for energy intake to examine gender differences and associations between desired weight change, dietary behaviors, and nutrient intakes. Only 15 % of athletes met carbohydrate recommendations and 26 % met protein recommendations; males exceeded dietary guidelines for fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium more often than females; 62 % of female athletes wanted to lose at least 5 lb versus 23 % of males, and this desire was linked to lower energy and macronutrient intake but not to micronutrient inadequacy.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary intakes and behaviors of male and female collegiate athletes. Athletes ( n = 345) at a NCAA Division I university completed an anonymous questionnaire. T -tests, χ 2 statistic and ANOVA were used to assess gender and sport differences. Multiple linear regression was used to assess gender differences in nutrient intakes, controlling for energy intake and to examine the relationships between desired weight change, dietary behaviors, and nutrient intakes. Only 15% and 26% of athletes had adequate intakes of carbohydrate and protein, respectively, based on recommendations for athletes. Males were more likely to exceed the Dietary Guidelines for fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium than females. Sixty-two percent of female athletes wanted to lose at least 5 lbs compared to 23% of males. The desire to lose weight was associated with decreased energy and macronutrient consumption, but not with inadequate micronutrient intakes.