Nutritional adequacy of menopausal women athletes

Menopause is an influential aspect of a woman's life, especially if she is a sportswoman. It is important to consider the role that women play in athletics and have also reached menopause, since the loss of muscle mass and gain of fat tissue influences their sports performance. In this line, nutrition is a fundamental component, so it is relevant to know how it influences the development of a particular somatotype. To improve the performance of menopausal women athletes, a specific somatotype is required, which should be provided not only by adequate training, but also by optimal nutrition. In the present investigation, a cross-sectional and quantitative observational study was conducted. The population sample consists of 5 women between 49-60 years old who are members of an athletic club in the province of Valencia (Spain) federated in the Royal Spanish Athletic Federation. The average caloric intake of the athletes was 2073 Kcal/day which meet 96% of the recommended intake. However, the distribution of the macronutrients in the diet did not meet the established recommendations: 55% of carbohydrates, 30% of fats and 15% of proteins. Instead, the athletes ingested 43% of carbohydrates, 41% of fats and 17% of proteins. These showed a significant excess in the intake of fats (37% extra) and carbohydrates (22% extra) which would lead to an abnormal distribution and accumulation of body fat that would be enhanced by the menopausal state of the athletes. All together will influence body composition that will be associated with an inadequate somatotype which would clearly impair the sports performance of the athletes.