Profiles for Identifying Problematic Dietary Habits in a Sample of Recreational Spanish Cyclists and Triathletes

Abstract

Background There is a lack of sufficient information on the dietary intake and nutritional supplementation of recreational endurance athletes throughout the year. The present observational study sought to assess the dietary intake and nutritional supplementation habits of recreational cyclists and triathletes from Spain. Methods 4,037 cyclists and triathletes completed self-report measures. Nutritional profiles were developed and differences were examined according to sporting discipline and gender. Differences between groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U or chi-squared test. Next, micro- and macro-nutrients were grouped according to whether or not guideline intake amounts were met. The clustering of dietary habits was then examined via K-means cluster analysis. Results Triathletes took more supplements than cyclists (X2 = 36.489; p value = .000) and females took more supplements than males (X2 = 5.920; p value = .017). Females and triathletes reported greater protein and CHO consumption than males and cyclists, respectively. Triathletes also reported a higher consumption of total fat, MUFA, PUFA, EPA, DHA and fibre. Females and triathletes tended to consume more vitamins and minerals than males and cyclists, respectively. Two main dietary habit clusters emerged which may be used to inform nutritional interventions targeting recreational athletes not meeting nutritional requirements. Conclusions There is an imbalance in the main nutrients making up the diet of recreational Spanish athletes, characterised by insufficient CHO and excessive protein.

An assessment of the dietary habits among road cyclists competing in amateur races

“…It seems obvious that an appropriate selection of food and fluids by athletes, as well as the time of intake throughout the day, provides sufficient energy, replenishment of glycogen stores, maintenance of blood glucose levels, and repair of tissue and helps the improvement of sports performance and the recovery from exercise and exercise‐induced injury. However, there is research which suggests that dietary intake of athletes does not meet sport nutrition recommendations (Muros et al, 2021). What is more, there are reports that competitive athletes eat unhealthily and are at risk of eating disorders (Gorrell et al, 2019; Muros et al, 2020).…”