Background: Nutrition is crucial for optimal performance of athletes. There is limited research on dietary habits of strength athletes in New Zealand, despite the increasing popularity of strength style sports. The aim of this study was to measure the dietary intake of strength athletes (weightlifters and powerlifters; novice and experienced) and compare to current sports nutrition recommendations.
Methods: Individuals who compete in weightlifting or powerlifting over the age of 18 were recruited to participate in the study. Participants completed a 3-day food diary including two weekdays and one weekend day. Dietary data were analysed using Cronometer. Anthropometric data were used to calculate energy (kcal/kg bodyweight) and macronutrient requirements (carbohydrate and protein as g/kg bodyweight; fat as percentage of TE). Dietary intake of participants was compared to current sport nutrition recommendation of minimum TE 30 kcal/kg; carbohydrate 5 g/kg; protein 1.2 g/kg and fat >20%. T-tests were performed to make comparisons with recommendations and between athlete groups.
Results: Fifteen participants (10 women and 5 men) completed the food diary. Results show the following mean intake of nutrients: energy 32.0 kcal/kg; carbohydrate 3.3 g/kg; protein 1.9 g/kg; and fat 33.1% of TE. Significant differences from recommendations were found for all macronutrients: carbohydrate (lower, p < 0.001), fat (higher, p < 0.001) and protein (higher, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference found for total energy intake (p = 0.42). When comparing national level athletes to amateur, it was found that the amateurs were consuming significantly higher carbohydrate (2.68 g/kg vs. 3.94 g/kg, p = 0.03).
Conclusions: Results show that total energy intake of strength athletes is sufficient; however, macronutrient composition does not follow current sports nutrition recommendations. National level athletes are also consuming significantly less carbohydrate than amateur athletes. Intervention to increase awareness of current recommendations are needed.
