Nutrient intake of physically fit and unfit men and women

Objective: Participation in physical activity and following a diet low in f at, saturated fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber are important in the p revention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and other health problems . Despite the importance of both behaviors, little is known about the inter active role of diet and physical activity. The association between physical activity and diet has been studied, but data on the association between ca rdiorespiratory fitness (CRF), which is an objective measure of habitual ph ysical activity, and diet are lacking in adults. This report examines nutri ent intakes of men and women across low, moderate, and high fitness categor ies and compares the intakes to national dietary recommendations. It is the first step in examining the relationship between diet, CRF, and morbidity and mortality endpoints in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (ACLS). M ethods: Between 1987 and 1995, 7959 men and 2453 women participating in the ACLS provided 3-d diet records and completed a preventive medical examinat ion. CRF was measured using a maximal exercise test, anthropometric and oth er clinical variables were measured following a standardized protocol, and lifestyle factors were assessed with a medical history questionnaire. Resul ts: After adjusting for potential confounders, there was a significantly lo wer percent of energy from fat and saturated fat across low, moderate, and high CRF categories. With additional adjustment for total energy intake, th ere was a significantly higher dietary fiber intake and a significantly low er cholesterol intake across CRF categories. The percentage of men and wome n meeting national dietary recommendation was higher at higher CRF levels. Conclusions: Men and women with higher fitness levels consumed diets that m ore closely approached national dietary recommendations than their lower fi t peers.