Nutrition Knowledge Is Associated with Energy Availability and Carbohydrate Intake in Young Female Cross-Country Skiers

The aim of this study was to provide information on energy availability (EA), macronutrient intake, nutritional periodization practices, and nutrition knowledge in young female cross-country skiers. A total of 19 skiers filled in weighted food and training logs before and during a training camp. Nutrition knowledge was assessed via a validated questionnaire. EA was optimal in 11% of athletes at home (mean 33.7 +/- 9.6 kcal center dot kgFFM(-1)center dot d(-1)) and in 42% at camp (mean 40.3 +/- 17.3 kcal center dot kgFFM(-1)center dot d(-1)). Most athletes (74%) failed to meet recommendations for carbohydrate intake at home (mean 5.0 +/- 1.2 g center dot kg(-1)center dot d(-1)) and 63% failed to do so at camp (mean 7.1 +/- 1.6 g center dot kg(-1)center dot d(-1)). The lower threshold of the pre-exercise carbohydrate recommendations was met by 58% and 89% of athletes while percentages were 26% and 89% within 1 h after exercise, at home and at camp, respectively. None of the athletes met the recommendations within 4 h after exercise. Nutrition knowledge was associated with EA at home (r = 0.52, p = 0.023), and with daily carbohydrate intake at home (r = 0.62, p = 0.005) and at camp (r = 0.52, p = 0.023). Carbohydrate intake within 1 and 4 h post-exercise at home was associated with better nutrition knowledge (r = 0.65, p = 0.003; r = 0.53, p = 0.019, respectively). In conclusion, young female cross-county skiers had difficulties meeting recommendations for optimal EA and carbohydrate intake. Better nutrition knowledge may help young athletes to meet these recommendations.

Automated summary

The study showed that young female cross-country skiers had difficulties meeting recommendations for optimal energy availability and carbohydrate intake, both at home and during training camps. Better nutrition knowledge may help these young athletes to meet these recommendations.