Dietary habits and serum lipids of a group of German amateur bodybuilders

Dietary intake, nutrient supplementation, and serum lipids were investigated in 13 German male amateur bodybuilders during a non-competitive period. Dietary information was collected with weighed food records during 14 consecutive days. Daily energy intake was 17.1±3 MJ including 22±5% protein, 26±6% fat, and 49±4% carbohydrates. "Breads and cereals" and "milk and dairy products" revealed to be the most important food groups. Protein supplements contributed 13% of total protein intake. With food alone the average supply of the vitamins A, D, E and B₁ was <3/4 of the recommended amounts (DGE). Due to the high consumption of supplement preparations, total daily intake of most of the selected minerals and vitamins - particularly of vitamins of the B-group - increased far above recommended dietary intake. Mean fasting serum triglyceride, phospholipid and total cholesterol concentrations were in a normal range, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced. The serum cholesterol ester fatty acids analysis confirmed a rather low intake of essential fatty acids (linoleic acid) found by dietary assessment. In conclusion, with a few corrections in food selection patterns of the bodybuilders, a well balanced diet would be achieved and the use of nutrient supplementation products would become totally superfluous.