Dietary micronutrient deficiencies stem from inadequate caloric intake in male and female varsity ice hockey players

Abstract

Problem Statement: A well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining overall health and optimizing athletic performance. Before, during and after exercise, athletes must consume high quality foods to meet elevated nutritional demands and support recovery. This need for optimal nutrient intake is especially important for student athletes for whom cognitive performance is an additional concern. Approach: Using three-day dietary records, we analyzed the energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of male and female varsity ice hockey players. Methods: Female athletes were studied over two academic years: year 1 mean data: 20 yr, 169.7 cm, 70.4 kg, BMI = 21; year 2: 19 ± 1.0 yr, 173.3 ± 9.7 cm, 75 ± 15 kg, BMI = 24.7. Male players (23 ± 1.5 yr, 180.6 ± 7.6 cm, 88 ± 7.7 kg, BMI = 26.9) were studied only in 1 academic year. Results: For energy intake, 88% of the players failed to meet their daily requirement, likely due to the fact that approximately 90% failed to satisfy their carbohydrate requirement. While males tended to consume more protein, this was within the context of suboptimal energy intakes. Requirements for vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron and zinc were not met by athletes. Conclusions: Athletes of both sexes would benefit from consuming sufficient amounts of balanced diets that contain and supply enough carbohydrates and are rich in vitamin and mineral dense foods. Our analyses revealed that athletes may benefit from better nutrition education.