Assessing dietary intake in female adult dancers : a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Optimal dietary intake supports training and performance and minimises risk of developing disordered eating habits for dancers. Nevertheless, dietary intake data is limited globally. This study aims to assess dietary intake, exercise energy expenditure (EEE) and physical activity level of female, adult dancers. Professional and recreational dancers were conveniently recruited from all dance schools in Gozo, a small Mediterranean island. Dietary intake during weekdays and the weekends was assessed through a 4-day food and beverage diary. Data on EEE was collected using a lifestyle questionnaire adapted from the ‘International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form’. One-sample t-tests compared participants’ intakes to recommended dietary allowances (RDA), while paired-samples t-tests assessed differences in intakes between weekdays and weekends. A total of 14 dancers, 11 recreational and 3 professional, were recruited. The mean energy intake was 1306±348kcal/day with 34.7±5.7% derived from fat. The mean carbohydrate and protein intakes were 2.4±0.8g/ kg and 1.1±0.3g/kg body weight respectively. The mean total EEE was 2034±190kcal/day. Daily mean energy, carbohydrate and protein intakes were lower than the RDA, while mean fat intake was higher. There was no significant evidence of dietary intake variations between weekdays and the weekend (p=0.309 carbohydrates, p=0.596 fat, p=0.956 protein). Recreational dancers were likely to consume sufficient dietary intake. Professionals consumed suboptimal energy, carbohydrate and protein intakes. Dietary fat recommendations were met by half of the participants and exceeded by the rest. This study is the first to assess the dietary intake of dancers in Malta, highlighting the need for further research with a larger cohort of local dancers recruiting diverse age groups and training intensities.