Energy and nutritional inadequacies in a group of recreational adult Spanish climbers

Abstract

Introduction: Although nutrition is determinant in the performance of athletes, few publications on this topic are available for climbers. Objectives: To measure body composition and dietary intake in a group of recreational Spanish climbers. Material and method: For body composition data we performed the measurements included in the ISAK anthropometric restricted- profile. Daily dietary intake was self-recorded on 3 days of the week: a non-climbing day, a climbing-gym training day and a rock- climbing day. Results were compared to Spanish nutritional recommendations. Results: 61 climbers (44 men, 17 women), aged 34 ± 8 years, volunteered. Body fat % was 8.1 ± 1.5% in men and 15.7 ± 3.0% in women. A negative correlation was found between body fat % and climbing ability (P<0.0005). Intake of energy and carbohydrates was 40% below estimated targets and that of proteins was 20-25% below. Moreover, macronutrient contribution to energy was unbalanced (protein: fat: CHO: alcohol was 17: 38: 42: 3%). We observed an elevated intake of SFA and sugars and low consumption of MUFA and fiber. Micronutrient intakes were acceptable except for iodine, zinc and vitamin D in both genders and iron and folate in women. Mean Adequacy Ratio of diet was higher in advanced/elite climbers compared with those in the intermediate level showing a possible relationship between climbing ability and diet quality. Conclusions: This study evidences there is a need of nutritional recommendations targeted to climbers. Our findings can contribute to the design of evidence-based food guides to help climbers optimise health and performance outcomes.