Nutritional status and physical fitness of elderly sportsmen

Abstract

The nutritional status of elderly sportsmen has not been reported on, neither has the nutritional balance nor the precise relationship between nutritional status and physical fitness been detailed for this population. Thus, group of 18 sportsmen [age 63 (SD 4.5) years] was monitored by weighing their food during a 6-day period. Macro nutrient, mineral and vitamin content was derived from tables. Daily energy expenditure (DEE) and sport activity (DSA) were quantified over a 7-day period using a questionnaire. Physical fitness was assessed by maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O_2max) measurements. The DEE was 11 429 (SD 1890) kJ · day⁻¹. The DSA corresponded to 38% of DEE and V˙O_2max to 35.9 (SD 6.1) ml · min⁻¹ · kg⁻¹. When compared with French recommended dietary allowances (RDA) intakes were higher for energy (+24%), macro nutrients, and most minerals and vitamins. Despite high energy intakes, some subjects had mineral and vitamin deficits. Energy intakes were significantly related to intakes of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins B2, B6, C and to V˙O_2max, but not to age. Stepwise regressions indicated that vitamin C intake was the only determinant to have a relationship with V˙O_2max. Thus, most elderly sportsmen had higher nutritional status than RDA, although some had mineral and vitamin deficits. It is therefore suggested that elderly sportsmen should be encouraged to consume food with higher mineral and vitamin contents.