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

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.

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%).

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).

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.