1. Contribution of Meals and Snacks to Nutrient Intake of Male and Female Elite Figure Skaters During Peak Competitive Season
Paula J. Ziegler, PhD, RD, Satya S. Jonnalagadda, PhD, RD, Judy A. Nelson, MS, Corrinna Lawrence, BS, and Brandy Baciak, MS, RD
Presented by
Courtney Dillon
February 17, 2011

2. Introduction
Figure skating is a highly competitive and physically demanding sport which requires a special diet and lean physique.
Past studies have shown this population suffers from compromised health due to inadequate nutrient intake.
Purpose: To examine the contribution of daily meals to the macro/micronutrient intake of elite figure skaters during their competition season.
Hypothesis: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will contribute equally to the macro/micronutrient intake of the elite figure skaters.

3. Methods
Subjects
n= 94 (46 males, 48 females) competitors in the 1999 USFSA National Championships
Dietary Intake
Three-day food records were collected 2 weeks prior to the competition.
Two non-consecutive weekdays and one weekend day
Anthropometric Measurements
Height and weight were measured prior to daily exercise and food consumption.
Data Analysis
SPSS
Mean +/- SE
Intake was tested using the general linear model.

4. Results Mean BMI: 21.2 (males) and 18.5 (females)
Based on the dietary measurements, it appears the figure skaters meet the macronutrient recommendations
Diet Composition
Males: High CHO, AA, Sat TAG, Tchol
Females: Low TAG, Tchol, fiber
Neither met all micronutrient requirements (folate, Fe, Ca)

5. Contribution of meals to the macronutrient and micronutrient intake of elite male figure skaters

6. Contribution of meals to the macronutrient and micronutrient intake of elite female figure skaters

7. Percent contribution of meals to macronutrient and micronutrient intake of male & female elite figure skaters

8. Conclusion Limitations Use of food records as dietary measurements
Small sample size
Length of study
Self-reported data
Cannot be certain all dietary needs are being met
What was learned
Consistent meal patterns may have a significant effect on micro/macronutrient consumption in athletes.
Individuals working with athletes may need to provide tips for preparing meals that can be consumed on the run, which will meet their energy needs during training and performance.
Athletes should be encouraged to consume more frequent meals and to distribute their energy intake between the meals based on their activity schedules