The risks of self-made diets: the case of an amateur bodybuilder

Abstract

Background

Following DIY (do it yourself) diets as well as consuming supplements exceeding by far the recommended daily intake levels, is common among athletes; these dietary habits often lead to an overconsumption of some macro and/or micronutrients, exposing athletes to potential health risks.

The aim of this study is to document the development of possible adverse effects in a 33 year-old amateur bodybuilder who consumed for 16 years a DIY high protein diet associated to nutrient supplementation. Body composition, biochemical measures and anamnestic findings were evaluated.

We present this case to put on alert about the possible risks of such behavior repeated over time, focusing on the adverse gastrointestinal effects. We discuss the energy and nutrient composition of his DIY diet as well as the use of supplements.

Conclusion

This study provides preliminary data of the potential risks of a long-term DIY dietary supplementation and a high protein diet. In this case, permanent abdominal discomfort was evidenced in an amateur body builder with an intake exceeding tolerable upper limit for vitamin A, selenium and zinc, according to our national and updated recommendations.

As many amateur athletes usually adopt self-made diets and supplementation, it would be advisable for them to be supervised in order to prevent health risks due to a long-term DIY diet and over-supplementation.

Keywords:

• Supplementation
• Vitamin and micronutrients overdose
• Gastrointestinal
• High-protein diet
• Bodybuilding
• DIY diets

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have not received any funding, or salary from an organization that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this manuscript.

The authors declare that they do not hold any stock or shares in an organization that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this manuscript.

The authors declare that they do not hold or are currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the manuscript.

The authors declare that they do not have any other financial competing interest.

Authors’ contributions

LDG carried out all the medical examinations, designed the study and drafted the manuscript. MC participated in the design of the study and in the manuscript drafting. HC conceived of the study and participated in its design and coordination. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Authors’ information

LDG: MD. Resident at the School of Human Nutrition, University of Milano, Italy. Internship at the Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, Italy.

MC: PhD. Resident at the School of Human Nutrition, University of Milano, Italy. Internship at the Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, Italy.

HC: MD, PhD. Professor of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Head of the Clinical Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine University of Pavia, Italy.