Body composition, dietary intake and supplement use among triathletes residing in the Western Cape Region
Date
2008-12
Authors
Bam, Sunita
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the body composition, dietary intake
and supplement use among training olympic and ironman distance triathletes residing in
the Western Cape region.
Design: Descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study design
Setting: Western Cape Province (South Africa)
Subjects: Triathletes residing in the Western Cape region registered with Triathlon South
Africa (N = 26)
Outcome measures: Percentage body fat, total energy intake, macro– and micronutrient
intake, use and reasons for use of nutritional supplements or nutritional ergogenic aids.
Results: The mean age of the men and women was 37.9 [Standard Deviation (SD) 6.82]
and 37.5 (9.6) years respectively. The corresponding mean amount of training per week
for men and women respectively were 15.1 (4.1) and 15.3 (4.7) hours. The percentage
body fat as determined by multi-frequency bio-electrical impedance analysis of the men
and women were 12.97% (4.3) and 21.4% (6.3) respectively. The mean dietary
macronutrient intake as determined by a three day food record for men was for total
energy intake 14 534.7kJ (4509.8), carbohydrate intake 5.3g/kg body weight (BW) (1.9),
protein intake 2.0g/kg BW (0.5) and fat intake 34.6% (10.31) of total energy
requirements. Dietary micronutrients not reaching 67% of dietary reference intakes (DRI)
from food alone included iodine (44%) and fluoride (49%). Vitamin C (154%).
Micronutrient intake above upper limit (UL) was sodium (213%), manganese (162%) and
niacin (228%). The dietary macronutrient intake for women was for total energy intake 9004.1kJ (2368.8), carbohydrate intake 3.5g/kg BW (1.0), protein intake 1.2g/kg BW
(0.2) and fat intake 29.8% of total energy intake (6.0). Micronutrients not reaching 67%
of the DRI were chloride (61%), iodine (31%) and fluoride (52%). Micronutrient intake
above the UL was vitamin C (218%) and manganese (174%). The dietary intake of the
men was inadequate in carbohydrate, provided sufficient energy and protein and
excessive fat. The dietary intake of the women was inadequate in total energy and
carbohydrate, with an adequate protein intake and excessive fat intake. Although the
sample size was very small, some associations were found between dietary intake and
clinical health status. Seventy three percent of the triathletes use over the counter dietary
supplements. The supplements used most often included carbohydrate supplements
(81%), multivitamin and mineral supplements (81%) single vitamins (65%), protein
supplements (100%), single minerals (58%), antioxidants (54%) and herbal supplements
(42%). Most popular reasons for consuming supplements included recovery (62%),
increasing energy supply (61%), enhancing immune function (50%), exercise
performance enhancement (46%), increasing muscle mass (54%) and to make up for an
inadequate diet or nutrient replacement (31%).
Conclusion: Percentage body fat of the men and women were at the upper end of the
range associated with elite athletes. The athletes have a fairly good intake of macro– and
micro-nutrients. Inadequate habitual carbohydrate intake can be attenuated by the vast
majority of the triathletes taking additional carbohydrate supplementation. Supplements
were used widely among the athletes, whether it is scientifically proven to be beneficial
or not.
Description
Thesis (MNutr(Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Human Nutrition))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Nutritional status, Triathletes, Triathlon -- Nutrition, Body composition, Dissertations -- Nutrition, Theses -- Nutrition