Abstract
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of
differences in energy and macronutrient intakes between young athletes and
non-athletes, considering age, gender and sport characteristics. The study
included original research articles that compared energy and macronutrient
intakes of 8 to 18-year-old athletes to non-athletes. Mean difference (MD)
meta-analyses were performed to quantify energy and macronutrient intake
differences between athletes and non-athletes. Eighteen observational studies
were included. Results revealed that the energy and carbohydrate consumption of
athletes was higher than that of non-athletes
(MD=4.65kcal/kg/d, p<0.01 and
MD=1.65% of total energy intake, p<0.01, respectively).
Subgroup analyses revealed a significant effect of total training time on the
observed mean differences between athletes and non-athletes. As practice time
increased, the differences between athletes and non-athletes increased for
carbohydrate and decreased for protein. Sport type analysis revealed a higher
protein intake by mixed sport athletes compared to endurance and power sports.
Analyses also indicated an age effect: the older the athletes, the smaller the
differences between athletes and non-athletes for energy intake. However, the
methods used to match groups and estimate dietary intakes forced us to moderate
the results. More rigorous research methods are needed to define the dietary
intakes of athletes and non-athletes.
Key words
adolescent - children - nutrition - sport - young athletes - intake
