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Alcohol Intake, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Body Size, and Dietary Behaviors in Young Adults

Abstract

Steele, C.N., Fradkin, A.F., FACSM, Andreacci, J.L., FACSM, Rawson, E.S., FACSM, Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg PA

The ingestion of alcohol in young adults is not uncommon; however, it is unclear if alcohol intake displaces the consumption of healthy nutrients from the diet. Purpose: To assess dietary behaviors, relative to alcohol intake, in apparently healthy young adults. Methods: Ninety-two college aged participants (59 men; 33 women) were assessed for dietary behaviors, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body size. Volunteers were placed into three groups based on percentage of daily kilocalories ingested from alcohol (Low < 5%, Medium 5 to 10%, High > 10%). ANOVAs were conducted to locate differences between the three groups. Results: Volunteers were 20.3 ± 1.6 yrs., relative VO2max was 49.1 ± 7.8 ml/kg/min, and body mass index (BMI) was 24.9 ± 3.3 kg/m2 (mean ± SD). There was no difference in age, relative VO2max, or BMI between alcohol intake groups (all p > 0.05). Alcohol intake was significantly different between groups (Low: 1.9 ± 1.6 < Medium: 7.7 ± 1.6 < High: 15.7 ± 7 % of kilocalories) (p < 0.0001). Kilocalorie (2636 ± 1436 vs. 1856 ± 793), protein (109 ± 66 vs. 68 ± 64 g), fat (97 ± 59 vs. 60 ± 32 g), and carbohydrate (334 ± 173 vs. 221 ± 97 g) (all p < 0.05) intake were significantly greater in Low vs. High alcohol intake groups. Daily servings of grains (7.5 ± 4.6 vs. 4.1 ± 2.9) (p=0.01) and meat (3.6 ± 2.8 vs. 1.9 ± 1.3) (p=0.04) were significantly greater in Low vs. High alcohol intake groups. Dietary fiber from grains was significantly greater in Low vs. High (11.9 ± 9.2 vs. 5.8 ± 3.3 g) (p=0.02) alcohol intake groups. Dietary iron (20.2 ± 12.7 vs. 11.3 ± 5.0 mg) (p=0.01) and zinc (16.8 ± 11.2 vs. 9.8 ± 4.7 mg) (p=0.02) were significantly greater in Low vs. High alcohol intake groups. Conclusion: Although there were no differences in cardiorespiratory fitness or body mass index between Low, Medium, and High alcohol intake groups, there were many differences in dietary behaviors. Individuals in the High alcohol intake group ate fewer total calories relative to the low alcohol intake group, but also consumed lower amounts of the macronutrients, grains, and meats, which resulted in lower intake of fiber, iron, and zinc.

Funding: Bloomsburg University Foundation

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