Nutritional status and physical fitness of elderly sportsmen

Abstract

The nutritional status of elderly sportsmen has not been reported on, neither has the nutritional balance nor the precise relationship between nutritional status and physical fitness been detailed for this population. Thus, group of 18 sportsmen [age 63 (SD 4.5) years] was monitored by weighing their food during a 6-day period. Macro nutrient, mineral and vitamin content was derived from tables. Daily energy expenditure (DEE) and sport activity (DSA) were quantified over a 7-day period using a questionnaire. Physical fitness was assessed by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measurements. The DEE was 11429 (SD 1890) kJ x day(-1). The DSA corresponded to 38% of DEE and VO2max to 35.9 (SD 6.1) ml x min(-1) x kg(-1). When compared with French recommended dietary allowances (RDA) intakes were higher for energy (+ 24%), macro nutrients, and most minerals and vitamins. Despite high energy intakes, some subjects had mineral and vitamin deficits. Energy intakes were significantly related to intakes of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins B2, B6, C and to VO2max, but not to age. Stepwise regressions indicated that vitamin C intake was the only determinant to have a relationship with VO2max. Thus, most elderly sportsmen had higher nutritional status than RDA, although some had mineral and vitamin deficits. It is therefore suggested that elderly sportsmen should be encouraged to consume food with higher mineral and vitamin contents.

Nutrition for Master Athletes: Is There a Need for Specific Recommendations?

“…It was concluded that the energy intake was greater for the master athletes of this study than the energy intake (1632kcal/day) reported by the US Department of Agriculture for non-athletic women of similar age (50-59 years). In another study conducted in Europe, Chatard et al (1998) found similar results in a group of 23 master athletes (mean age: 63 years) practicing mainly aerobic activities (cycling, running, swimming, tennis and walking) for an average of 2.6h per day. The average daily energy intake was higher (+24%) than the RDA at the time.…”

Nutrition for master athletes: from challenges to optimisation strategies

“…It was concluded that the energy intake was greater for the master athletes of this study than the energy intake (1632 kcal/day) reported by the US Department of Agriculture for non-athletic women of a similar age (50-59 years). In another study conducted in Europe, Chatard et al (1998) found similar results in a group of 23 master athletes (mean age: 63 years) practicing mainly aerobic activities (cycling, running, swimming, tennis and walking) for an average of 2.6 h per day. On average, the daily energy intake was higher (+24%) than the RDA at the time.…”

Association between dietary intake of micronutrients and cardiorespiratory fitness in Japanese men

“…Although micronutrients probably play important roles in physical work capacity and therefore performance through different biological pathways, the relationship between dietary micronutrients and CRF is not well studied in the population sample of adults, especially in large sample sizes. Chatard et al ( 30 ) examined the association between micronutrient intake (eleven nutrient density variables) and CRF in eighteen sportsmen aged 56–72 years. Diet was assessed with a 6-d diet recall and CRF (O 2max ) was objectively measured using a Monark cycle ergometer.…”