Does an Asian-based Diet Sufficient to Meet the Nutritional Demands of Endurance Athletes?: A Cross-sectional Study
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.6.8
- Author:
Zaini Bahari
1
,
2
;
Nik Shanita Safii
3
;
Ahmad Munir Che Muhamed
1
Author Information
1. Department of Community Health, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia&
2. Department of Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
3. Centre for Community Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Nutritional intake, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Endurance athletes, Asian distance runners
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.6):51-61
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Limited studies have examined the dietary intake pattern of Malaysian endurance athletes. Differences in the types of foods consumed between Malaysian and Western population leads to varying nutritional intake
values. This study aimed to characterise the dietary intake of Malaysian endurance athletes as compared to sports
nutrition recommendations, and to determine the associations between participants’ backgrounds and macronutrients intake status. Methods: A total of 85 endurance-trained Malaysian athletes participated in a cross-sectional
study. Dietary intake for three days throughout the training season was evaluated using 24-hour dietary recall. The
macronutrients and micronutrients intakes were compared to the nutritional recommendation for athletes and the
Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI), respectively. The food serving size was compared to the Malaysian Food Pyramid 2020. Results: Of all participants, 51% met the minimum recommendations for carbohydrate (CHO) intake (6g/
kg/day). For protein intake, 88% of participants had surpassed the lower limit of 1.2g/kg/day. The lower limit of fat
intake (20% of total daily energy intake) was met by 99% of the participants. Most of the participants had a suboptimal intake of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin E, while all had inadequate vitamin D intake. The athletes’ institution
was significantly associated with the CHO intake status. Also, the athletes’ institution and the highest education level
were significantly associated with the protein intake status. Conclusion: Athletes who practised Asian-based diets
were able to achieve the energy, protein, and fat intake recommendations. However, there was a suboptimal intake
of the CHO and micronutrients as compared to the recommendations.
- Full text:11.2023my1662.pdf
