The Mediterranean Diet Adequacy Index in Sports Participants

José L. Sánchez Benito, Eva Sánchez Soriano*, Colin R. Martin, Victor R. Preedy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Appropriate training and nutrition are required for achieving high performance in sports activity. Good nutrition can be achieved by adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD).The method to quantify the adherence to the MD was the Mediterranean Diet Adequacy Index (MAI). The MAI was obtained by dividing the daily energy of MD food intake (cereals, vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, olive oil), by the energy of non-MD food intake (meats, eggs, cookies-also called biscuits-industrial dishes, refreshments). The applicability of the MAI was investigated in a group of 48 young cyclists. They were divided into two groups on the basis of attaining either higher (Subgroup 1) or lower (Subgroup 2) MAI scores. The mean MAI score was 2.1 (3.3 for Subgroup 1 of 27 cyclists vs. 1.51 for Subgroup 2 of 21 cyclists) higher than MAI of Spanish youths (1.51). The cyclist in Subgroup 1 had significant higher carbohydrates intake, the main energetic substrate, and had an acceptable level of adherence to the MD. Moreover, the Subgroup 1 consumed a greater amount of vitamins and minerals used in training and by the antioxidant system. To avoid abandonment of the MD, especially by young people, educational campaigns are urgently required which promotes its inclusion as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Mediterranean Diet: An Evidence-Based Approach
PublisherELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
Pages519-531
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9780124079427, 9780124078499
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Nov 2014

Keywords

  • Aerobic sports
  • Carbohydrates
  • Cardiovascular
  • Metabolic substrates
  • Oxidative stress
  • Vitamins

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