A study of dietary patterns of elite Australian football players

This report describes the dietary patterns of 56 elite Australian Rules football players. Data collected included an anthropometric profile, training information, and measurements of haemoglobin and blood lipids. Information on dietary practices, for training and game preparation, was collected by interview and food diary. Analysis of training diets showed a mean energy intake of 14.2 MJ/day (0.17 MJ/kg/day). Mean protein intake was 126 g/day (1.5 g/kg/day). The proportions of dietary energy contributed by the macronutrients were carbohydrate, 44%; fat, 37%; protein, 15%; and alcohol, 4%. Mean daily intake of selected vitamins and minerals from food sources was: retinol activity, 1439 mg; thiamin, 1.7 mg; riboflavin, 2.8 mg; niacin equivalents, 45.1 mg; vitamin C, 139 mg; iron, 19.6 mg; and calcium, 1016 mg. Carbohydrate intake was considered low, but overall intake of nutrients studied was adequate.