Nutritional intake in Division I female endurance runners using a 3-day food record

The purpose of this study was to assess the macronutrient intake, iron intake, and supplement use of female endurance runners in western New York using a 3-day food record and height and weight/supplement use form. These data were analyzed with the ESHA Food ProcessorRTM software. This study used a purposive sample of 11 Division I collegiate female endurance runners from a distance running program in New York State (age 18-21). The percentage of runners who met 75% or 100% of the SCAN DPG recommendations for energy, carbohydrate, fat, protein, and iron was then determined along with the number of athletes who used dietary supplements. The results of the study showed 7 out of 11 athletes met 75% of caloric needs and 2 out of 11 met 100% of caloric needs. Out of the 11 athletes, 7 met 75% of carbohydrate needs and 2 met 100% of needs. 10 of the 11 athletes met 75% of protein needs and 9 met 100% of protein needs. All 11 athletes met or exceeded 100% of estimated needs for fat. The average iron intake in athletes was 14.7 mg/day. As self-reported on the height and weight/supplement use form, 6 out of the 11 athletes reported that they used supplements daily. This study shows that the overall nutrition of the athletes surveyed is suboptimal. Dietary intake of these athletes in regards to caloric intake, carbohydrate intake and iron intake was suboptimal. However, protein intake proved to be adequate and fat intake recommendations were greatly exceeded.