Nutrient Status and perceptions of energy and macronutrient intake in a Group of Collegiate Female Lacrosse Athletes

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to compare nutritional intakes against recommended values as well as between the perceived intake and needs of female lacrosse players. Methods Twenty female NCAA Division II lacrosse players (20.0 ± 1.7 yrs., 169.7 ± 6.4 cm; 69.9 ± 10.7 kg; 27.5 ± 3.3% fat) completed a four-day monitoring period during in-season. Athletes were outfitted with an activity monitor over four consecutive days and completed four-day food records to assess total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and dietary intake. Body composition was assessed and used to calculate recommended dietary intakes. Actual intake was self-reported using a commercially available food tracking program (MyFitnessPal©, USA). Daily average values were calculated for total and relative energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake. These values were then compared to published nutritional recommendations established by the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Appropriate pairwise comparisons were made depending on the normality of the distribution. Results Athletes ate significantly less than recommended values for energy, carbohydrates and protein. (p < 0.001). Significant discrepancies (p < 0.001) were also observed between perceptions of intake versus actual intake. Conclusions Athletes significantly underestimated perceived intake of dietary fat and carbohydrate when compared to perceived needs. Massive standard deviations and ranges were observed, suggesting that some athletes lack a basic understanding of their daily needs. Results from this data suggest that collegiate athletes lack appropriate understanding of basic nutrition needs and could benefit from basic nutrition education as it pertains to their health and performance.

Prevalence of Low Energy Availability in Collegiate Women Soccer Athletes

“…Low energy availability values are one of many metrics that may indicate dietary insufficiencies. The athletes in the current study had a daily mean energy intake of 30 kcals/kg/day, which is below the recommended energy intake of 40–60 kcals/kg for women team sport athletes [ 7 , 40 ] and likely contributed to the high prevalence of LEA observed. Similar findings have been reported in the Under−21 United States Women’s National Soccer team, with an average daily energy intake of 34 kcals/kg/day reported [ 8 ].…”

“…In the current study, suboptimal energy and macronutrient intakes were more common in athletes with LEA ( Table 2 ). The inability of collegiate athletes to meet nutritional recommendations for their respective sport is not uncommon, as it has been previously reported in both men and women athletes participating in football [ 42 ], lacrosse [ 7 ], swimming [ 6 ], basketball [ 2 ], gymnastics [ 2 ], and volleyball [ 33 ]. While nutritional recommendations have been established for women soccer athletes, the results of the current study demonstrate a continued need for sport nutrition education interventions to be part of regular team activities.…”

“…Typically, athletes have higher activity levels; greater lean body mass; and require higher amounts of energy, protein, and carbohydrates per day compared to non-athletes. However, previous research has indicated that athletes often do not meet the nutritional guidelines specific to their level of training, with women athletes tending to exhibit dietary deficiencies more frequently than male athletes [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Insufficient energy intake may predispose an athlete to low energy availability (LEA), which is thought to be a primary contributor to a complex condition characterized by a multifactorial state of physiological dysfunction referred to as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) syndrome [ 13 ].…”

Food Choice Decisions of Collegiate Division I Athletes: Qualitative Interviews

“…27 Future studies should further explore these barriers. Other studies have reported discrepancies between athletes perceived and actual intake, 28,29 which may in part explain the inconsistency between knowledge and behavior. Sports dietitians should educate athletes to help them reduce the discrepancy between perceived and actual intake.…”

Sports Nutritionists Adopt the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) Road Map to Develop Individualized Meal Planning for Athletes.

“…When athletes do not follow these recommendations, their performance may be affected. Several crosssectional studies on athletes' dietary intake found that most of them did not meet their energy requirements during training and competition (3)(4)(5)(6).…”