ObjectiveIn our cross-sectional study, we evaluated micronutrient supplementation intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study to assess micronutrient supplementation consumption in Collegiate and Masters Athletes, comparing sex and sport classification within each respective group. Micronutrient supplement consumption data were measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. A two-way analysis of variance was used to explore the differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes' supplement intakes of the following vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, D, and calcium, folate, iron, magnesium niacin, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, and zinc. When significant differences were found, a Bonferroni post hoc test was performed to identify specific group differences. The significance level was set a priori at p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 198 athletes (105 females and 93 males) were included in the study. Participants were 36.16 ± 12.33 years of age. Collegiate male athletes had significantly greater vitamin A [1,090.51 ± 154.72 vs. 473.93 ± 233.18 mg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/day] (p < 0.036), folate [337.14 ± 44.79 vs. 148.67 ± 67.50 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/day] (p < 0.027), and magnesium (65.35 ± 8.28 vs. 31.28 ± 12.48 mg/day) (p < 0.031) intakes compared to Collegiate female athletes. Collegiate CrossFit Athletes (940.71 ± 157.54 mg/day) had a significantly greater vitamin C intake compared to Collegiate General Athletes (156.34 ± 67.79 mg/day) (p < 0.005), Collegiate Triathletes (88.57 ± 148.53 mg/day) (p < 0.027), Collegiate Resistance Training Athletes (74.28 ± 143.81 mg/day) (p < 0.020), and Collegiate Powerlifters (175.71 ± 128.63 mg/day) (p < 0.044). Masters females had significantly greater calcium intakes compared to Masters males (494.09 ± 65.73 vs.187.89 ± 77.23 mg/day, respectively) (p < 0.002). Collegiate Runners (41.35 ± 6.53 mg/day) had a significantly greater iron intake compared to Collegiate Powerlifters (4.50 ± 6.53 mg/day) (p < 0.024). Masters Swimmers (61.43 ± 12.10 mg/day) had significantly greater iron intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (13.97 ± 3.56 mg/day) (p < 0.014), Masters Runners (17.74 ± 2.32 mg/day) (p < 0.03), Masters Triathletes (11.95 ± 3.73 mg/day) (p < 0.008), Masters CrossFit Athletes (15.93 ± 5.36 mg/day) (p < 0.043), Masters Rowers (9.10 ± 3.36 mg/day) (p < 0.003), and Masters Cyclists (1.71 ± 9.88 mg/day) (p < 0.011). Masters Powerlifters (47.14 ± 9.65 mg/day) had significantly greater zinc intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (9.57 ± 2.84 mg/day) (p < 0.015), Masters Runners (10.67 ± 1.85 mg/day) (p < 0.017), Masters Triathletes (10.24 ± 2.98 mg/day) (p < 0.020), Masters Rowers (9.33 ± 2.68 mg/day) (p < 0.013), and Masters Cyclists (1.43 ± 7.88 mg/day) (p < 0.019). There were no other significant differences among the other micronutrient supplement intakes between the sexes or among the sport classification.ConclusionWe reported significant differences among female and male Collegiate and Masters Athletes. Additionally, we reported significant differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes sport classifications. Further research should examine both dietary and micronutrient supplement intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes to examine the extent that athletes exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), and the potential effects on health and performance.

Objectives There has been evidence suggesting the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (FA) in promoting and preserving lean body mass. Western diets are deficient in omega-3 FA, while having excess amounts of omega-6 FA. A high omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio promotes the pathogenesis of several diseases, whereas an omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio suppresses inflammation. The objective of this study was to report on omega-3 FA supplementation and lean body mass (LBM) among athletes. Methods Female and male athletes who were 18 years of age and older were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Body weight (kg) and height (cm) were measured using a SECA scale. LBM (kg) was measured using a bio-electrical impedance analyzer. Dietary consumption data were measured using a Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. A univariate analysis of variance was used to report the interaction between omega-3 FA supplementation and LBM. In addition, a linear regression was used to analyze the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and LBM. The significance level was set a priori at P < 0.05. Results A total of 300 athletes (145 women and 155 men) were included in the study. Participants were 34.76 ± 11.5 years of age, with an average LBM of 57.19 ± 11.24 kg. The average daily consumption of omega-6 and omega-3 FA were 14.58 ± 6.21 g and 1.56 ± 0.75 g, respectively. The average ratio of omega-6/omega-3 was 9.56 ± 1.90 (a ratio of £3). Of the 300 athletes, 98 chose to supplement their diet with omega-3 FA. There was a positive interaction between omega-3 FA supplementation and LBM (P = 0.007). There was no significant relationship between omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio and LBM. Conclusions We found a positive interaction between omega-3 FA supplementation and LBM. However, these athletes did not have a favorable omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio, and hence, may be susceptible to inflammatory responses and other chronic diseases. Therefore, it may be beneficial to include servings of foods and supplements that are high in omega-3 FA to mitigate these effects. Intervention studies should further investigate the potential of a diet rich in omega-3 FA in preserving LBM in athletes. Funding Sources This project was unfunded.

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Objectives Athletes subscribe to different energy and macronutrient intakes based on the needs of the sport. The aim of our study was to evaluate total energy and macronutrient intakes between different types of Masters athletes. Methods Female and male Masters athletes participated in this cross-sectional study. Dietary consumption data were measured using Block's 2005 Food Frequency Questionnaire. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare total energy, protein, carbohydrate, and fat (in grams [g]) intakes among the athletes. When significant differences were found, a Fisher's LSD post hoc test was performed to identify specific group differences. The significance level was set a priori at P < 0.05. Results A total of 330 athletes (182 women and 148 men) were included in the study. Participants were 36.55 ± 11.2 years of age. The athlete population consisted of general athletes (n = 81), runners (n = 116), triathletes (n = 53), rowers (n = 46), and CrossFit athletes (n = 34). Runners (1941.35 ± 697.25 kilocolaries [kcal]), triathletes (2031.65 ± 912.02 kcal), and rowers (2004.15 ± 978.42 kcal) all had significantly greater total energy intakes compared to CrossFit athletes (1538.80 ± 491.74 kcal) (P < 0.05). Runners (226.21 ± 89.67 g) and triathletes (235.43 ± 134.29 g) had significantly greater carbohydrate intakes compared to CrossFit athletes (162.93 ± 66.99 g) (P < 0.05). Rowers (83.31 ± 44.74 g) had a significantly greater protein intake compared to CrossFit athletes (64.77 ± 21.32 g) (P = 0.027). Rowers (87.35 ± 45.91 g) had a significantly greater fat intake compared to CrossFit athletes (68.86 ± 25.10 g) (P = 0.041). Conclusions Based on our data, runners, triathletes, and rowers all had greater total energy intake compared to CrossFit athletes. Rowers also consumed significantly more protein and fat than CrossFit athletes. Rowers may consume more protein and fat due to the combination of endurance and strength needed to meet the demands of the sport. Further research is needed to continue evaluating total energy and macronutrient intakes between different types of Masters athletes. Funding Sources This project was unfunded.