Nutrient intake is inadequate for US national synchronized skaters

The main objective of this descriptive study was to determine the energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intakes as well as the dietary supplement use of female 2002 US national elite synchronized skaters. One hundred twenty-two female synchronized skaters (mean age = 15.7 ± 2.4 years) from the 2002 US national synchronized skating teams participated in the study. Nutrient intakes were determined from 3-day dietary records. Dietary supplement use was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were computed for the study variables. The mean body mass index of the synchronized skaters was 21.0 kg/m2 (SD = 2.0 kg/m2). Their mean daily energy intake was 1658 kcal/d. The contributions of carbohydrate, fat, and protein to total energy intake were 57%, 15%, and 29%, respectively. The synchronized skaters' dietary intakes of vitamins E and K as well as calcium, magnesium, and potassium were less than two thirds of the recommended intakes. Forty percent of the synchronized skaters reported using a dietary supplement, with the most common ones being multivitamin-minerals (19%), sports drinks and sports bars (14%), multivitamins (11%), individual vitamins (9%), and Echinacea (9%). The main reasons given by the synchronized skaters for using dietary supplements were to prevent illness and disease (24%), have more energy (13%), and make up for an inadequate diet (9%). Given that synchronized skating is a team sport, it is important to encourage all team members to maintain adequate dietary intakes to support the positive performance and well-being of individual synchronized skaters and the entire team.