Dietary behaviour of German adults differing in levels of sport activity.

OBJECTIVE To analyse the dietary behaviour of persons engaging in different levels of sport activity. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey analysis. SETTING A population-based sample of German adults. SUBJECTS A total of 1756 men and 2254 women participating in the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey and the integrated German Nutrition Survey 1998. RESULTS Among both genders, the median micronutrient intakes of active persons were more preferable than those of sedentary persons when German current reference values were used as a criterion. The median nutrient densities were also higher in the diet of active persons, especially those of vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and among women also those of folate and vitamin C. On average, active persons consumed higher amounts of fruit/vegetable juice, drinking water, milk products (including cheese) and fruits. Active men additionally consumed higher amounts of vegetables and vegetable fat. The contribution of dietary supplements to the total nutrient intake was 3%, on average, for active men and women. Compared with sedentary persons, this contribution was significantly higher for vitamins, and among men also for calcium and magnesium. CONCLUSION There was no indication of an impaired micronutrient intake of active and moderately active persons compared with sedentary persons.