title: The risks of self-made diets: the case of an amateur bodybuilder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Following DIY (do it yourself) diets as well as consuming supplements exceeding by far the recommended daily intake levels, is common among athletes; these dietary habits often lead to an overconsumption of some macro and/or micronutrients, exposing athletes to potential health risks. The aim of this study is to document the development of possible adverse effects in a 33 year-old amateur bodybuilder who consumed for 16 years a DIY high protein diet associated to nutrient supplementation. Body composition, biochemical measures and anamnestic findings were evaluated. We present this case to put on alert about the possible risks of such behavior repeated over time, focusing on the adverse gastrointestinal effects. We discuss the energy and nutrient composition of his DIY diet as well as the use of supplements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides preliminary data of the potential risks of a long-term DIY dietary supplementation and a high protein diet. In this case, permanent abdominal discomfort was evidenced in an amateur body builder with an intake exceeding tolerable upper limit for vitamin A, selenium and zinc, according to our national and updated recommendations. As many amateur athletes usually adopt self-made diets and supplementation, it would be advisable for them to be supervised in order to prevent health risks due to a long-term DIY diet and over-supplementation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Lucio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Della Guardia
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cavallaro
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Hellas
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cena
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000178:diet therapy; D004032:Diet; D015930:Diet Records; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000178:diet therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D009525:Niacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D064167:Recommended Dietary Allowances; D055070:Resistance Training; D012307:Risk Factors; D012643:Selenium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D015032:Zinc / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D018977:Micronutrients; D014801:Vitamin A; D009525:Niacin; D012643:Selenium; D015032:Zinc
keywords: Bodybuilding; DIY diets; Gastrointestinal; High-protein diet; Supplementation; Vitamin and micronutrients overdose