November 2024

Keely A. Shaw, PhD, CSEP CEP, PLY

Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary

Reference: Shaw, K. A., Chilibeck, P. D., Warkentin, T. D., & Zello, G. A. [Dietary Quality and Nutrient Intakes of Elite Paracyclists.] Nutrients. 2024; 16: 2712.

 

Take home message
  • Elite paracyclists generally meet nutritional needs based on dietary reference intakes, although fiber consumption often falls short.
  • High supplement use was reported, occasionally resulting in intakes over the tolerable upper intake level outlined in dietary reference intakes.
Background
  • Limited research addressing the specific nutritional needs of para-athletes exists, leaving athletes and support staff to rely on evidence derived from able-bodied athletes, which may not be directly applicable.
  • The specific food choices made by para-athletes have not been fully characterized,  limiting our understanding of their dietary habits and areas for improvement.
How the study was done
  • Elite paracyclists were recruited from English-speaking countries.
  • 31 athletes (n=12 males; n=19 females) completed a 165-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) assessing their dietary intake over the past month.
  • The FFQ captured consumption frequency and quantity for a variety of food items.
  • The consumption frequency for key food groups and subcategories, including the intake from different food sources (e.g., whole grains, processed meats) was calculated.
  • Intake was calculated using the Food Processor Software and compared to dietary reference intakes. The estimated risk of inadequacy was calculated using the estimated average requirement cut-point method.
What the researchers found
  • Most nutrients were consumed at or above dietary reference intakes.
  • Inadequate consumption of fibre was found in 42% of female athletes and 75% of male athletes.
  • Supplement use was reported by 87% of athletes with varying degrees of necessity in relation to meeting recommendations.
Conclusion

While nutritional intakes of elite paracyclists generally align with recommended guidelines, opportunities exist to enhance dietary quality. A greater emphasis on minimally processed, whole food sources, such as whole grains, pulses (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, beans, yellow peas), and legumes, can provide essential fiber and available carbohydrates to support both athletic performance and overall health. Given the diverse energy requirements associated with different impairments, individualized nutritional recommendations are crucial for optimizing the dietary intake of paracyclists.