Analysis of Dietary Intake and Body Composition of Female Athletes over a Competitive Season

Abstract

Th e purpose of the study was to examine dietary intake, body composition and bone mineral density changes at the beginning and end of a competitive season in female athletes of sports that have been less represented in the literature. NCAA Division I basketball (n=10) and soft ball (n=10) players mean age (201 years) completed 3-day food records at the beginning and end of season. Body composition and bone mineral density were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Mean energy intake was signifi cantly lower at the beginning compared to the end of the season (1925466 vs. 2326782 kcals/day; p=0.02). Lean, fat, and total body mass, and total and regional BMD were unaltered from the beginning to the end of season (p>0.05). Macronutrient consumption by percentage did not change across the season (p>0.05) with aggregate data equalling 3.51.3, 1.20.6, and 1.20.5 g/kg/day for carbohydrate, fat, and protein respectively. Carbohydrate and protein intakes were below the recommended levels. Low intake of fi bre (176.3 g/day) and high sodium (37001120 mg/day) also raise concerns. Despite no major alterations in body composition or BMD many female athletes' diets in the sports investigated while living on campus failed to meet recommended intake levels suggesting maximal athletic performance and health parameters may be stunted due to poor nutrient choices.