NUTRITIONAL-STATUS AND PHYSICAL-FITNESS OF ELDERLY SPORTSMEN

The nutritional status of elderly sportsmen has not been reported on, neither has the nutritional balance nor the precise relationship betwe en nutritional status and physical fitness been detailed for this popu lation. Thus, group of 18 sportsmen [age 63 (SD 4.5) years] was monito red by weighing their food during a 6-day period. Macro nutrient, mine ral and vitamin content was derived from tables. Daily energy expendit ure (DEE) and sport activity (DSA) were quantified over a 7-day period using a questionnaire. Physical fitness was assessed by maximal oxyge n uptake ((V) over dot O-2max) measurements. The DEE was 11 429 (SD 18 90) kJ . day(-1). The DSA corresponded to 38% of DEE and (V) over dot O-2max to 35.9 (SD 6.1) ml . min(-1) . kg(-1). When compared with Fren ch recommended dietary allowances (RDA) intakes were higher for energy (+ 24%), macro nutrients, and most minerals and vitamins. Despite hig h energy intakes, some subjects had mineral and vitamin deficits. Ener gy intakes were significantly related to intakes of magnesium, phospho rus, iron, vitamins B2, B6, C and to (V) over dot O-2max but not to ag e. Stepwise regressions indicated that vitamin C intake was the only d eterminant to have a relationship with (V) over dot O-2max Thus, most elderly sportsmen had higher nutritional status than RDA, although som e had mineral and vitamin deficits. It is therefore suggested that eld erly sportsmen should be encouraged to consume food with higher minera l and vitamin contents.