Association of physical activity status with dietary energy density and nutritional adequacy

Abstract

This study evaluated the association of physical activity status with dietary energy density and nutritional adequacy. 205 individuals between the ages of 19-35 years (102 active, 103 inactive) (50% women) participated in the study. The individuals were grouped according to their physical activity status by gender. When the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) of the individuals' diets was evaluated, there was a significant difference between active and inactive men only in vitamin A and E adequacy (p < 0.05). On the other hand, energy, protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, niacin, vitamin E and folate intake adequacy were found to be lower in active women compared to inactive women (p < 0.05). While the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of the diet did not differ among men, it was significantly higher in inactive women compared to active women (p < 0.05). Dietary energy density was found to be lower in all active individuals compared to inactive individuals (p < 0.05). A positive association was found between nutritional adequacy and body weight (p < 0.05), body mass index (p < 0.05), body fat percentage (p < 0.05) and fat free mass (p < 0.05) in inactive men. As a result, physical activity status can affect nutritional adequacy and dietary energy density, and this effect differs between genders.