Energy and Key Micronutrient Intake in Amateur Swimmers: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Sports Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Swimming demands significant physical, physiological, and psychological resources.
• Most swimmers are amateurs, with limited research on their energy and nutrient intake.
• Understanding nutritional status is crucial for optimizing athletic performance in swimmers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the energy and nutrient intake of amateur swimmers.
• To compare their intake with established recommended nutritional values.
• To identify potential nutritional deficiencies in this athletic population.

Main Methods:

• Recruited participants from local swimming teams.
• Collected anthropometric data including weight, height, and skinfold measurements.
• Utilized a 3-day food log to record dietary intake.

Main Results:

• The study included 15 swimmers (7 female).
• No significant differences in energy or macronutrient intake were observed between genders or between rest and workout days.
• Average energy intake was significantly lower than recommended values, though protein intake met recommendations.
• Female swimmers exhibited inadequate intake of calcium, iron, and zinc.

Conclusions:

• Swimmers demonstrate insufficient energy and carbohydrate consumption relative to their training demands.
• Female swimmers are at risk for deficiencies in essential micronutrients.
• Findings highlight the need for nutritional guidance tailored to swimmers' energy and nutrient requirements.