RESUMO
Objective: In our cross-sectional study, we evaluated micronutrient supplementation intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess micronutrient supplementation consumption in Collegiate and Masters Athletes, comparing sex and sport classification within each respective group. Micronutrient supplement consumption data were measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. A two-way analysis of variance was used to explore the differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes' supplement intakes of the following vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, D, and calcium, folate, iron, magnesium niacin, riboflavin, selenium, thiamine, and zinc. When significant differences were found, a Bonferroni post hoc test was performed to identify specific group differences. The significance level was set a priori at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 198 athletes (105 females and 93 males) were included in the study. Participants were 36.16 ± 12.33 years of age. Collegiate male athletes had significantly greater vitamin A [1,090.51 ± 154.72 vs. 473.93 ± 233.18â mg retinol activity equivalents (RAE)/day] (p < 0.036), folate [337.14 ± 44.79 vs. 148.67 ± 67.50â mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/day] (p < 0.027), and magnesium (65.35 ± 8.28 vs. 31.28 ± 12.48â mg/day) (p < 0.031) intakes compared to Collegiate female athletes. Collegiate CrossFit Athletes (940.71 ± 157.54â mg/day) had a significantly greater vitamin C intake compared to Collegiate General Athletes (156.34 ± 67.79â mg/day) (p < 0.005), Collegiate Triathletes (88.57 ± 148.53â mg/day) (p < 0.027), Collegiate Resistance Training Athletes (74.28 ± 143.81â mg/day) (p < 0.020), and Collegiate Powerlifters (175.71 ± 128.63â mg/day) (p < 0.044). Masters females had significantly greater calcium intakes compared to Masters males (494.09 ± 65.73 vs.187.89 ± 77.23â mg/day, respectively) (p < 0.002). Collegiate Runners (41.35 ± 6.53â mg/day) had a significantly greater iron intake compared to Collegiate Powerlifters (4.50 ± 6.53â mg/day) (p < 0.024). Masters Swimmers (61.43 ± 12.10â mg/day) had significantly greater iron intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (13.97 ± 3.56â mg/day) (p < 0.014), Masters Runners (17.74 ± 2.32â mg/day) (p < 0.03), Masters Triathletes (11.95 ± 3.73â mg/day) (p < 0.008), Masters CrossFit Athletes (15.93 ± 5.36â mg/day) (p < 0.043), Masters Rowers (9.10 ± 3.36â mg/day) (p < 0.003), and Masters Cyclists (1.71 ± 9.88â mg/day) (p < 0.011). Masters Powerlifters (47.14 ± 9.65â mg/day) had significantly greater zinc intakes compared to Masters General Athletes (9.57 ± 2.84â mg/day) (p < 0.015), Masters Runners (10.67 ± 1.85â mg/day) (p < 0.017), Masters Triathletes (10.24 ± 2.98â mg/day) (p < 0.020), Masters Rowers (9.33 ± 2.68â mg/day) (p < 0.013), and Masters Cyclists (1.43 ± 7.88â mg/day) (p < 0.019). There were no other significant differences among the other micronutrient supplement intakes between the sexes or among the sport classification. Conclusion: We reported significant differences among female and male Collegiate and Masters Athletes. Additionally, we reported significant differences among Collegiate and Masters Athletes sport classifications. Further research should examine both dietary and micronutrient supplement intake among Collegiate and Masters Athletes to examine the extent that athletes exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), and the potential effects on health and performance.