Plant-Based Dietary Protein Intake Is Associated With Lower Metabolic Syndrome Risk In Division III Female Athletes

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) can increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. College athletes are often overlooked for MetS as their increased physical activity and exercise are assumed to reduce disease risk. However, over- or under consumption of energy intake, including macronutrient balance, based on body mass, age, and sex has been shown to increase risk. As not all athletes have access to a sports nutritionist, a need exists for more research into athlete nutrition and cardiometabolic health, especially in females where a knowledge gap exists. PURPOSE: To determine the relationship of dietary intake and dietary protein source, animal- (ABP) and plant-based (PBP), with MetS as estimated by Simple Method for Quantifying Metabolic Syndrome (siMS) score and risk score in Division III offseason female athletes. METHODS: Waist circumference was measured with a spring-loaded measurement tape. Blood pressure was assessed supine after a five-minute rest. Dietary intakes were estimated with three-day logs and ESHA software. Blood samples were collected via fingertip capillary drops with a single-use cassette and Cholestech LDX System. Stepwise linear regression models determined whether dietary intake and dietary protein source were associated with siMS score and risk score. Age (yr), body mass (kg), body mass index (kgm2), ABP (g/d), PBP (g/d), ABP:PBP, and energy (kcal/d), protein (g/d), carbohydrate (g/d), and fat intake (g/d) were included in each regression. RESULTS: A total of 13 athletes (mean ± SD; age 19.7 ± 1.4; body mass 66.4 ± 8.4; body mass index 23.1 ± 2.1; ABP 75.9 ± 28.2; PBP 29.2 ± 12.2) were included in the analyses. Only PBP, not ABP, was predictive of siMS score and risk score. For every 1 g increase in PBP, siMS score was lowered by 0.016 and risk score by 0.007. The regression model for siMS score explained 41.6% of the variance (F1, 11 = 7.823, R2 = 0.416, adjusted R2 = 0.362, p = 0.017) and the regression model for siMS risk score explained 47.8% of the variance (F1,11 = 10.054, R2 = 0.478, adjusted R2 = 0.430, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: PBP was associated with a lower risk of MetS via siMS score and risk score in Division III offseason female athletes, while ABP was unrelated. Support provided by the Skidmore College Faculty Development Grant