Dietary Intake and Menstrual Health among Acrobatics and Tumbling NCAA Division I Student-Athletes

Abstract

Objective

Acrobatics & Tumbling (A&T) is an emerging sport in the National Collegiate Athletic Association that lacks research regarding the dietary intake and health of A&T student-athletes (A&Tsa). This study assessed the dietary intake adequacy, estimated energy availability (EA), self-reported menstrual health, and body composition of A&Tsa.

Methods

Twenty-four female A&Tsa participated during week 8 of the preseason (11 top: Age= 20.1 ± 0.9 years; BMI= 22.1 ± 1.7 kg/m²; 13 base: Age= 19.5 ± 1.3 years; BMI= 26.2 ± 2.7 kg/m²). Total energy intake (TEI) and macronutrient intakes were assessed via a paper-based 3-day dietary recall. Resting Metabolic Rate [RMR = 500 + 22 * fat-free mass (FFM)] and energy availability [EA = (TEI – exercise energy expenditure)/FFM)] were estimated; and LEAF-Q assessed menstrual health. Body composition was measured using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry. Macronutrient intakes and EA were compared to sports nutrition recommendations (carbohydrate: 6–10 g/kg; protein: 1.2–2.0 g/kg) and the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (carbohydrate: 45–65%; protein: 10–35%; fat: 20–35%).

Results

TEI was 1753 ± 467 kcal (top) and 1980 ± 473.8 kcal (base). A total of 20.8% of A&Tsa failed to meet RMR with TEI, with a higher prevalence in the top (-266 ± 219.2 kcal, n = 3) vs. base (-414.3 ± 534.4 kcal, n = 2) A&Tsa. Top and base A&Tsa had both low EA (28.8 ± 13.4 kcals·FFM⁻¹; 23.8 ± 9.5 kcals·FFM⁻¹) and inadequate carbohydrate intake averages (4.2 ± 1.3 g/kg; 3.5 ± 1.1 g/kg, p < 0.001), respectively. A total of 17% of A&Tsa reported secondary amenorrhea, with a higher prevalence in the top (27.3%, n = 3) vs. the base (7.7%, n = 1).

Conclusion

TEI and carbohydrate intake of the majority of A&Tsa were below recommendations. Sports dietitians should encourage and educate A&Tsa about following an adequate diet that meets energy and sports-specific macronutrient needs.

Keywords:

• Carbohydrate intake
• energy availability
• amenorrhea
• body composition
• gymnasts

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the student-athletes, research team, and athletic staff for their dedication and contribution to this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author, [LCS].