Abstract:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have unique properties which benefit athlete populations. The literature investigating NCAA collegiate, rugby sevens and German endurance athletes indicates suboptimal n-3 PUFA dietary intake and biological status. The aims of this study were: (i) to explore the dietary intakes and FA profiles of elite level, team-based, female athletes and (ii) to understand perceived barriers towards achieving n-3 dietary guidelines. A total of 35 athletes (24.8 ± 4.5 years) completed both a questionnaire and a finger prick test. All the participants reported consuming fish and seafood over the previous six months however only nine athletes consumed ≥ 2 servings of fish per week. Four participants reported using an n-3 supplement. The mean omega-3 index (O3I; including supplementers) was below target levels of >8% (5.19 ± 0.86%). O3I was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in those consuming ≥ 2 servings of fish per week and/or supplements (5.91 ± 0.81%) compared with those who did not (4.82 ± 0.63%). The main barriers reported by those not consuming two servings of fish per week were sensory (n = 11; 42%), cooking skills (n = 10; 38%) and knowledge of n-3 benefits (n = 7; 27%). The current study shows that elite level female athletes present with suboptimal n-3 dietary intake and O3I due to their food preferences, cooking skills and n-3 knowledge.
摘要:
ω-3多不饱和脂肪酸(n-3PUFA)具有有益于运动员群体的独特性质。调查NCAA大学的文献,七人橄榄球运动员和德国耐力运动员表明n-3PUFA的饮食摄入量和生物学状态欠佳。本研究的目的是:(I)探索精英水平的膳食摄入量和FA概况,以团队为基础,女运动员和(ii)了解实现n-3饮食指南的感知障碍。共有35名运动员(24.8±4.5岁)完成了问卷调查和手指刺破测试。所有参与者报告说在过去的六个月中都食用了鱼类和海鲜,但是只有9名运动员每周食用≥2份鱼类。四名参与者报告使用n-3补充剂。平均ω-3指数(O3I;包括补充剂)低于>8%(5.19±0.86%)的目标水平。每周食用≥2份鱼和/或补充剂的人(5.91±0.81%)的O3I明显高于不食用的人(4.82±0.63%)(p<0.001)。每周不食用两份鱼的人报告的主要障碍是感官(n=11;42%),烹饪技能(n=10;38%)和n-3益处知识(n=7;27%)。目前的研究表明,精英级别的女运动员由于他们的食物偏好而出现了次优的n-3饮食摄入量和O3I,烹饪技能和n-3知识。