Does the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide meet the needs of young athletes?

Abstract

Background: The Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) encourages Canadians to consume a balanced plate. However, this recommendation may not meet the nutritional needs of young athletes who have increased nutritional requirements. Aim: To evaluate how the 2019 CGF can be used to meet the nutritional needs of young athletes. Method: Five menu scenarios were created using the CFG’s balanced plate and recipes from Health Canada. Each menu was analyzed to compare nutrient and energy needs of an index athlete (15-year-old male, 71 kg). Estimated energy requirements were based on nutrition guidelines set by National and International sports-nutrition position statements. Results: The adjusted CFG balanced plate plus an energy dense beverage at every meal was the closest to meeting the index athlete’s nutrient requirements. Conclusion: The 2019 CFG’s balanced plate needs to be adjusted to meet the nutritional requirements of individuals with active lifestyles.

Adolesan Sporcularin Ergojeni̇k Destek Kullaniminda, Fi̇zi̇ksel Ve Mental Yorgunluk Düzeyi̇ni̇n Yordayiciliği

“…A recent study has revealed that there may be eating disorders especially in adolescent athletes and that the nutritional information of the athletes was insufficient (Magee et al, 2023). For example, in a study, it was seen that the dietary guidelines applied for the nutrition of adolescent athletes in Canada had positive effects on athletes (Heidl et al, 2022). Also adolescent athletes need more energy than their non-athlete peers (Desbrow, 2014) and may feel more fatigue than adult athletes (Bergeron et al, 2015).…”