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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 8(4): 403-413, 2015. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary behaviors, body composition, and potential cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among college club rugby team players. 15 athletes completed demographics, three 24-hour dietary recalls, body composition and blood lipid profile assessments following an overnight fast. Mean ± SD age of participants was 20 ± 1 years; weight 81 ± 16 kg; BMI 25.7 ± 3.2 kg/m2; body fat 13 ± 5%; total cholesterol 133 ± 37 mg/dl; high-density lipoprotein 49 ± 18 mg/dl; low-density lipoproteins 77 ± 26 mg/dl; triglycerides 86 ± 34 mg/dl. The results of dietary analysis indicated that carbohydrates comprise 44 ± 3% (3.2 ± 0.2 g/kg), proteins 21 ± 5% (1.5 ± 0.4 g/kg), and fats 34 ± 3% of the total calories. Mean intake of total fat and saturated fat exceeded recommendations of the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR). Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) were met for most of the micronutrients excluding vitamin A 557 ± 157 μg/dl (61% RDA) vitamin E 6 ± 0.5 μg/dl (40% RDA) and potassium 2267 ± 613 μg/dl (50% RDA) while mean intake for sodium 4276 ± 437 mg/dl was 285% recommended. In addition, mean intake of fiber 18 ± 5 g was 55% below that recommended. At present, most of the participants were at low risk for developing CVD. However, continuous high intake of total and saturated fat, sodium and low fiber may lead to increased risk for developing CVD.

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