Relationship between body composition and protein intake of climbing athletes of different genders and climbing levels: A cross-sectional study

Background: Dietary protein has gained particular attention in recent years in athletes of aesthetic disciplines or weight categories where the search for targeted quality weight loss protocols is commonplace. However, the role of this macronutrient on body composition in athletes undergoing prolonged energy restriction and with low fat mass (FM) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between differences in body composition in sport climbing athletes of different sexes and levels and their protein intake. Methods: 45 Spanish climbing athletes reported a three-day food diary and their consolidated IRCRA score for the previous month. The athletes also underwent anthropometric assessment according to the restricted profile of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Results: In the total sample of athletes, significantly higher IRCRA scores ( p ≤ 0.050) and lower FM ( p ≤ 0.010) were observed in athletes with better protein intake adequacy status, despite significantly less extensive energy restriction ( p ≤ 0.001) and no differences in their lean mass values ( p > 0.050). However, although there was a significant inverse association between FM levels and protein intake in relation to athletes’ body mass ( p ≤ 0.010), only male athletes showed significantly lower values of FM levels according to their protein intake adequacy ( p ≤ 0.050). Conclusions: Dietary protein could be used to maintain lean mass and prolonged calorie restrictions in sports groups with reduced fat mass levels such as sport climbing athletes. Longitudinal studies evaluating the effects of different protein intakes on body composition of the climbing athlete are needed.