Eating Patterns of Elite Adolescent Athletes: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study of 51 Olympic Sports

Diehl K, Yarmoliuk T, Mayer J, Zipfel S, Schnell A, Thiel A, Schneider S (2013)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2013

Journal

Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin Süddt. Verl. onpact

Book Volume: 64

Pages Range: 126-131

Journal Issue: 5

DOI: 10.5960/dzsm.2012.067

Abstract

Purpose: Performance of elite sports can increase adolescents' energy and nutritional requirements. Therefore, the knowledge of daily eating habits is important to adequately support elite adolescent athletes in their nutrition. Methods: Based on data of German elite adolescent athletes in 51 Olympic sports (GOAL Study; n=1,138, 56.1% male; mean=16.33 years), we analyzed associations between the daily consumption of foods and athletes' characteristics. In addition, we compared the daily food consumption of elite athletes with that of non-elite athletes. Results: We found types of sport and nutrition-specific variables (e.g., getting information from nutritionists, having a nutrition plan, place of food intake) to be correlated with daily food intake. Compared to non-elite athletes, elite athletes had a significantly higher daily consumption of vitamin and fiber-rich products (47.9% vs. 43.2%), animal products (27.7% vs. 19.6%) and sweets (19.6% vs. 1.0%). Discussion: As only a quarter of the elite athletes were found to have gotten information from a nutritionist, and since nutritional education and counseling were shown to be important for healthy food choices in this group, offering information and education is absolutely essential. This applies especially for athletes in lower squads. However, their parents and coaches should also be educated in terms of nutrition.

Authors with CRIS profile

Katharina Diehl

Involved external institutions

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Tübingen DE Germany (DE) Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Diehl, K., Yarmoliuk, T., Mayer, J., Zipfel, S., Schnell, A., Thiel, A., & Schneider, S. (2013). Eating Patterns of Elite Adolescent Athletes: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study of 51 Olympic Sports. Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin, 64(5), 126-131. https://doi.org/10.5960/dzsm.2012.067

MLA:

Diehl, Katharina, et al. "Eating Patterns of Elite Adolescent Athletes: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study of 51 Olympic Sports." Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin 64.5 (2013): 126-131.

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