Dietary Intakes of Older Retired Olympic and Commonwealth Games Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the dietary intakes of a sample of older retired New Zealand Olympics and/or Commonwealth Games athletes and compare intakes to the suggested dietary targets. Participants were recruited via the researchers' networks and by snowballing techniques. Dietary intake was estimated using three 24-h dietary recalls. Thirty-three adults (mean age 76 (8) years) who had represented New Zealand at an Olympic or Commonwealth Games between 1956 and 1990 participated. Men reported consuming 9499 (2646) kJ/day, while women were consuming 7404 (701) kJ/day. Both sexes consumed less carbohydrate, and more total and saturated fat, than recommended by the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges (AMDRs). All women, and 56% of men had calcium intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR), while a substantial proportion of men were also at risk of inadequate magnesium (41%) and zinc (66%) intakes. Despite higher overall energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes than the general population of similar age, being an older retired elite athlete does not confer protection against age-related or population-wide dietary challenges. Targeted dietary interventions may be warranted to support healthy aging in this group.