In addition, training staff should monitor skaters’ BMIs as undesirable BMI changes may be a warning sign of unnecessary energy restriction and weight loss. The mean dietary intakes of energy, macro- and VX-689 concentration micronutrients recorded by skaters in this study were similar to intakes previously reported by elite skaters [5,

8, selleck compound 15–17], but were lower than average when compared to normative age- and gender-matched intake data from NHANES 1999–2000 [20–23]. Based on reported EI and EER, the skaters had a reported energy deficit of 1204 ± 531 SD kcal/day. However, skaters’ body weights and BMIs were within normal range and the majority reported no downward trends in weight over time. Therefore, it is likely the dietary intake data were subject to either underreporting of food intake or overestimation of physical

activity level. The degree of underreporting in this study (44%) was very high when skaters’ Napabucasin research buy reported EIs were compared to their EERs; the usual degree of underreporting is estimated between 10-20% [31]. Underreporting on food intakes is common, particularly among adolescents and athletes, and the process of recording food intake may cause individuals to alter their dietary patterns [31, 32]. The large discrepancy reported in this group may be due to the inevitable limitations involved in having adolescents keep unsupervised food records or, perhaps, to skaters’ attempts to record intakes they perceive their coaches and peers will deem desirable. The percent contribution of each macronutrient to total intake was similar to recommendations for athletes of 55-60% carbohydrate, 12-15% protein and 20-35% fat [10, 33] and similar to results from previous skater studies [15, 30]. The main contributors to energy and bone-building nutrients, similar to other studies [14, 30], were the grain, meat, milk and sugary food groups. Skaters in the current study reported an average 91 Suplatast tosilate g/day of sugar. While sugary foods may be low in micronutrients, for athletes who need calorie-dense sources of energy, such intakes

should not be discouraged [15]. High-sugar, high-fat foods are often the most efficient way to achieve the high-energy diet required to meet the dual energy demands of intense training and growth [15]. Nutrition education efforts should focus on informing athletes and training staff on the macronutrient guidelines for athletes. Current guidelines recommend that athletes, with reference to body weight, should consume 6–10 g/kg carbohydrate and 1.2-1.7 g/kg protein [10]. Intakes below these levels, or intakes that restrict one or more macronutrient, place athletes at risk of micronutrient deficiencies [10]. Particular attention should be paid to the intake of bone-building nutrients like calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D, as female athletes with low energy intakes are at risk for low bone-mineral density [10].