Does sex differ the relationship between macronutrients adequacy and aerobic power?

Background: Sex is a recognized factor influencing physiological and biochemical changes in response to physical activity and nutrient intake. Dietary intake may impact athletic performance, including aerobic power. However, these effects may be sex-dependent.

Aims: to evaluate pattern and adequacy of macronutrient intake; to evaluate predicted VO₂max, and investigate potential correlations between macronutrients and aerobic power, stratified by sex.

Subjects and Methods: A correlational design was employed, targeting recreational athletes. Participants (n = 52) were recruited using purposive sampling (aerobic dancers n = 15, runners n = 18, pesilat n = 10, badminton players n = 9).  Three-day food records were collected and analyzed using the NutriSurvey application to determine dietary intake and macronutrient composition. Predicted VO₂max was assessed via the Beep Test.  The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Health Research Ethics Commission. Bivariate correlation analysis was conducted to explore associations between macronutrients and aerobic power.

Results: Mean daily energy intake was 1,417.19 ± 56.12 kcal/day distributed as carbohydrate (46%), fat (40%), and protein (14%). The majority of participants (57.69%, n=30) demonstrated average VO₂max, while the remaining 42.31% (n = 22) exhibited below-average values. Interestingly, a significant negative moderate correlation (r -.565 as p < 0.05) was observed between fat intake and predicted VO₂max in females only. No significant correlations were identified between carbohydrate or protein intake and predicted VO₂max for either sex.

Conclusion: Despite consuming a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet, participants maintained adequate energy intake. Notably, fat intake in females displayed a strong negative association with predicted VO₂max.