Breakfast skipping habits affect dietary intake in Japanese athletes

Background and objectives: Skipping breakfast has been reported to reduce daily energy and protein intake in healthy individuals. However, few studies have examined intake levels in athletes with breakfast skipping habits. Since athletes have higher energy expenditure than regular healthy individuals, more energy and nutrient intake are required. Therefore, if athletes skip breakfast, there is a risk of accelerating performance degradation. This study aimed to assess the nutritional intake and examine the relationship between nutritional intake and food group intakes among athletes with breakfast skipping habits. Methods: A total of 177 male collegiate athletes from various sports (18 sports) participated in this study. Participants were classified into two groups based on the breakfast skipping habits: breakfast skipper (BS, 0–3 times) and the breakfast eater (BE, 4–7 times). Body weight and body composition were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Habitual energy, nutritional, and food group intakes using the Food Frequency Questionnaire for Japanese Athletes (FFQJA) were investigated. Estimated energy requirement (EER) was obtained by multiplying athletes' resting energy expenditure estimation equation based on fat-free mass by physical activity levels. Results: Body composition was not significantly different between the BS and the BE groups. The median difference between EER and energy intake level was significantly lower in the BS group than in the BE group (BS: -659 kcal, BE: -376 kcal, p