Association between Nutrient Intake and Height among Adolescent Athlete in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study; Hubungan antara Asupan Zat Gizi dan Pertumbuhan Tinggi Badan pada Atlet Remaja di Indonesia: Studi Potong Lintang

Background: Adequate nutritional intake in young athletes is important to support physical activity, growth, development, recovery, and performance. Inadequate intake may result in non-optimal growth and performance.Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between nutrient intake and height among adolescent athletes in Indonesia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during May-August 2022 in 5 athlete training centers in Indonesia. There were 330 athletes aged 12-18 years old who participated in study. The primary variables consisted of sociodemographic status, body height, nutritional status and nutrient intake.Results: Median age of subjects was 16 years old, and predominately participating in sports more as strength athletes (66.1) compared to endurance. Median height was 165 (140.4-191.5) cm, and the proportion of stunted was 3 and overweight-obese was 15.2. Nutrient intakes per day were energy as 2,050 (582-4,355) kcal, protein 70.9 (15.9-184.4) g, fat 74.9 (11.3-230) g, carbohydrate 263.9 (65.1-708.4) g, calcium 347.6 (21.1-4507.5) mg, and vitamin D 1.80 (0-62.80) mg. The adequacy of energy was 71.2 (18.1-209.7), protein 67.5 (13.2-162.1), fat 61.3 (6.3-255.6), and carbohydrate 87.9 (13.8-352.9). Macronutrient intakes were significantly higher in endurance than strength subjects. Significant associations were found between energy, fat and carbohydrate intake with height and z-score height for age (p<0.05); while protein intake was significantly associated with body height.Conclusions: Energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake were significantly associated with adolescent athletes' height. Optimizing macronutrients among athletes, especially height-oriented sports, is necessary for supporting athletes performance. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.