Nutritional status in CrossFit® athletes

CrossFit® has grown significantly in popularity among professional and recreational athletes in recent years, combining a variety of movements in what are known as "workout of the day" (WOD). Given the nature and demands of sport, proper nutrition is essential for optimizing athletes' health and performance. CrossFit® athletes often have a high body mass index (BMI), particularly men, due to greater muscle mass, whilst their body fat percentage is usually within a healthy range. However, a significant proportion of these individuals do not meet their energy requirements, particularly women, increasing the risk of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs), which affects recovery, hormonal function, bone health, and immunity. A high protein intake is observed at the expense of carbohydrate intake, which is essential as fuel for intense training. Furthermore, there is a frequent insufficient intake of key micronutrients such as vitamin D and zinc, which can affect protein synthesis, immune function, and muscle performance. The use of supplements is widespread among CrossFit® practitioners, particularly protein and creatine supplementation, although not always under professional supervision. It is recommended to prioritize a balanced diet, sufficient energy intake, adequate carbohydrates, essential micronutrients, and the responsible use of supplements under specialist supervision.