A comparison of dietary intake between adult and veteran endurance athletes

Abstract

This study compares the nutrient intake of young and veteran endurance athletes (veteran: >35 years). The purpose of the dietary analysis was to establish if any different nutritional practices were evident in older athletes. Three-day diet record data from 13 young (24.0 ± 4.8 years) and 16 veteran (43.8 ± 5.0 years) athletes were collected and compared for differences in nutrient intake and against accepted dietary guidelines. Diet records were analysed by a qualified dietitian using the dietary analysis software Food Works (Xyris Software, Highgate Hill, Australia). Physical activity levels were assessed using the Baecke physical activity questionnaire. Energy expenditure was also estimated using the equations of Schofield and Harris-Benedict. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between young and veteran athletes for overall energy intake. (12979  3270 kJ vs 14234  4485 kJ respectively). However, the veteran athletes had a significantly higher percentage of daily energy intake from fat than the young athletes (355 vs. 296 g.day-1; p<0.05). The mean dietary intake of carbohydrate for both age groups was substantially lower than the Australian Institute of Sport guidelines for endurance athletes. In conclusion, there were slight differences in fat intake between young and veteran endurance athletes plus both age groups may benefit by increasing daily carbohydrate intake.