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Abstract

Energy intakes of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) have been reported to be relatively low with many micronutrients below recommended amounts but very little is known about the diets of athletes with SCI. This cross-sectional, observational study assessed energy intakes and estimated the prevalence of dietary inadequacy in a sample of elite Canadian athletes with SCI (n=32). Three-day self-reported food diaries completed at home and training camp were analyzed for energy (kcal), macronutrients, vitamins and elements and compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Energy intakes were 2156 ± 431 kcal for men and 1991 ± 510 kcal for women and the macronutrient intakes as a percentage of energy were within the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges for both men (55.6% carbohydrate, 17.9% protein, 28.1% fat) and women (53.3% carbohydrate, 17.9% protein, 28.9% fat). While at training camp, greater than 25% of men had mean intakes below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for magnesium, zinc, riboflavin, folate and vitamin B12. At home, prevalence of inadequacy decreased for magnesium, zinc and riboflavin but not for folate. At home, men had greater intakes of vitamin D (160.1 ± 133.4 IU vs. 38.5 ± 78.3 IU, p