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Dragon boat racing requires high physical activity levels during competition and training. The female athletic triad refers to a number of negative health consequences (e.g., amenorrhoea, low bone mineral density, and low energy availability) that may result from high physical activity in female athletes in parallel with inadequate dietary intake. This study aimed to estimate energy expenditure and dietary adequacy in female competitive dragon boat athletes. Following ethical approval, energy expenditure was assessed by use of SensewearTM armbands (which measure movement as well as galvanic heat loss) on nine dragon boat athletes preparing for the Southeast Asian Games 2013. The mean estimated energy expenditure for the athletes was 2226 ± 711 kJ/day. Mean total energy, recorded using three-day food diaries (6715 ± 2518 kJ/day) and energy availability (99 ± 56 kJ/kg/day), were low. Estimated micronutrient intake (calcium 699.3 ± 328.7 mg/day and iron 10.6 ± 4.7 mg/day) did not meet recommended daily allowances of 800 mg/day and 19 mg/day, respectively. The low intake of energy, calcium, and iron noted within this study could have negative effects on performance and short- and long-term health in female dragon boat athletes.

Background: Singapore is a metropolitan city state that has rapidly transitioned from residents living in traditional multicultural villages known as kampongs to one of the most population-dense and technologically advanced countries in the world. This study aimed to explore the framework of traditional food culture, beliefs and practice in Singaporeans who grew up in kampongs via questionnaire-based interviews. Methods: A convenience sample of participants (n = 34) were recruited through word-of-mouth and interviewed both face to face (n = 29) and by telephone (n = 5). Interviews were conducted in English, Mandarin, and Hokkien using a semistructured questionnaire that included themes preidentified from an exhaustive literature search. Results: A conceptual framework of five major themes was noted as a result of respondent input and the preidentified structural themes of the questionnaire. These were self-sustenance and farming, food and water safety, food and beverage retail, dietary habits and culinary practice, and a culture of sharing (or gotong royong). Of these themes, 64% (n = 22) of participants had noted collecting or maintaining fruit and vegetables or rearing chickens. Participants (29%, n = 10) also noted memories of traditional food storage techniques, general feedback which suggested relatively low levels of concern for food safety. Conclusions: Many of these kampong food practices from a kampong were fondly remembered by participants. Consideration of positive food values from early life (such as a strong culture of sharing and togetherness) could help in the development of government drives to improve dietary intake or benefit food security for older Singaporeans.