Nutrient Intake and Body Composition in CrossFit Athletes: a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nutritional composition of the athletes’ diet in relation to their training routine and body composition is critical in maintaining high performance levels during competitions. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the body composition and nutrient intake of CrossFit® athletes. Methods: Twenty-five Brazilian CrossFit® athletes (18–50 years old) were evaluated in this study. Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were measured. A portable ultrasound was used to assess body composition. Resting energy expenditure was evaluated by indirect calorimetry. To describe the nutrient intake, 175 diets prepared by nutritionists were analyzed (mean diets per athlete = 7). To verify adherence, three non-consecutive self-reported 24-hour dietary recall surveys per diet were analyzed, totaling 525 days of food consumption record, and the mean of these 24-hour dietary recalls was used in this study. Results: The mean age was 32.0 ± 8.9 years, with no differences between men and women (P=0.208). The mean BMI was 26.4 ± 2.6 kg/m2. Energy intake was 2,904.0 ± 697.3 kcal/day. Protein and carbohydrate intake was 2.3 ± 0.4 and 4.5 ± 2.0 g/kg/day, respectively. Regarding carbohydrate consumption, 44% of CrossFit® athletes consumed less than the recommended amount (5–12 g/kg/day). In addition, most athletes (50%) had insufficient intake of potassium, selenium, calcium, and vitamins A, D, B9, and B12. Conclusion: It can be concluded that CrossFit® athletes presented an insufficient intake of some vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates.