Protein Intake and Body Composition in Collegiate Female Dancers

Protein is often recognized as the most influential macronutrient to lead to positive alterations in body composition. A diet higher in protein is not only beneficial to athletes, but also a potentially effective strategy used to promote weight loss. Recent studies suggest that an increased protein intake with or without strenuous physical exercise can lead to beneficial changes in fat mass and lean mass. This study was conducted to assess the association between protein consumption and body composition in 30 collegiate female dancers. Subjects completed a 3-day dietary food log followed by analysis of body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry). Subjects were then stratified into one of three categories (low, moderate, high) of protein consumption. Fat mass and lean mass were correlated to the level of protein intake (g/kg) and to each group of protein intake. No associations were noted between protein consumption and total fat mass or lean mass percentage. There were also no significant associations between protein intake and bone mineral density (BMD). Although not significantly different, the high protein group had lower body weight when compared to low protein and moderate protein consuming groups (55.11 + 9.22 kg, 60.38 + 4.58 kg, respectively). The higher protein groups also had lower fat mass percentage than the moderate and lower level protein groups, although the results were not statistically different. The results of this study demonstrate no association between protein intake and body composition in female collegiate dancers.