Patterns of Nutrient Intake among Male and Female High School-Aged Cross-Country Skiers and Speed Skaters

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the appropriate nutritional intakes and dietary habits of high school-aged cross-country skiers and speed skaters. The subjects, all high school students from N Prefecture, included 18 male cross-country skiers, 5 male speed skaters, 10 female cross-country ski players and 4 female speed skaters. Physical measurements, food intake frequency survey results, bone mineral density and exercise stress test outcomes, and lactic acid measurements were evaluated. Female athletes in both sports had higher body fat percentages relative to the average range stated for female athletes. Male speed skaters had a significantly higher maximum oxygen in-take than that male cross-country skiers did. By contrast, this parameter did not differ significantly among female athletes. A negative correlation was observed between the fat free mass and muscle mass, and a positive correlation was observed among the body fat percentage, fat percentage, and fat mass. Both male and female athletes had protein intake ratios within the reference ranges. All athletes except male speed skaters had lipid energy ratios that were higher than the upper limit of the reference value. Both male and female athletes also reported carbohydrate energy ratios within the reference ranges, but had cereal energy ratios below the reference values. Athletes should pay attention to the ingestion of various nutrients to ensure a sufficient energy intake. Accordingly, adolescent athletes should consume daily meals containing a good balance of staple foods, main dishes, side dishes, milk and other dairy products, and fruits.