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British Journal of Sports Medicine logoLink to British Journal of Sports Medicine
. 1981 Jun;15(2):99–109. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.15.2.99

A nutritional study of Irish athletes

A Barry, T Cantwell, F Doherty, Jean C Folan, M Ingoldsby, J P Kevany, J D O'Broin, H O'Connor, B O'Shea, B A Ryan, J Vaughan
PMCID: PMC1858733  PMID: 7023594

Abstract

The aims of this study were (1) to carry out a nutritional assessment of selected Irish athletes and (2) to provide individual results and specific advice to each athlete on how to achieve an optimum diet.

Dietary intakes were measured by a three-day weighed dietary record technique designed to evaluate each athlete's usual eating habits. The results were evaluated against a set of dietary standards in order to determine adequacy.

Nutritional status was also assessed in a limited form by selected anthropometric and biochemical measurements.

A total of 148 subjects took part in the assessment which began in May, 1979 and continued until April, 1980. The sports involved included: canoeing, cycling, rowing, swimming, hockey, squash and track and field events.

The results indicated a range of sub-optimal dietary patterns relating in particular to abnormal intakes of folate, iron, pyridoxine and calcium. The significance and applications of these findings are discussed.

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Selected References

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