ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate and assess the nutritional practices of open-water swimmers, during the preparation period and the competition, as well as their implications on performance and anthropometric parameters according to their age. Twenty-four (n = 24) men open-water swimmers, twelve young (26.3 ± 4.9 years) and twelve older athletes (45.8 ± 9.7 years), participated in this study. Nutritional behavior-energy intake consumption, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated prior to the Toroneos Gulf crossing (26 km). In addition, nutritional intakes during the race and anthropometrics after the race were also evaluated. Significant differences between the two groups were found for Toroneos Gulf crossing performance, BMI, and all variables of body composition at the preparation period (P < .05). The results involving energy consumption, in both preparation period and during the race, displayed significant differences between the two groups, while both groups exhibited significantly negative energy balances. During the race, significant differences were found also for the energy expenditure, relative energy intake, negative energy balance, relative consumption of carbohydrates per hour, and relative protein intake (P < .05). In both groups, lower intakes than the recommended were observed for macronutrient-micronutrient elements at any time point. Significant correlations were found between selected variables of body composition, nutritional intakes during the preparation period and the competition, and athletes' performance. In summary, this study provides strong evidence about the malnutrition of ultra-endurance swimmers prior and during their competition, with potential dangers for their health and performance as certain deficiencies in both macro- and micronutrient contents are present.
Subject(s)
Athletic Performance , Energy Intake , Energy Metabolism , Nutritional Requirements , Physical Endurance , Sports Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Adult , Anthropometry , Athletes , Body Composition , Diet , Dietary Carbohydrates , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Swimming , Young AdultABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary intakes and food habits of 582 adolescents in Northern Greece. Anthropometric data have been collected for all the participating adolescents. The prevalence of obesity as determined by both body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold thickness (TST) was higher for boys than for girls. Furthermore, boys had higher energy and macronutrient intakes compared to girls. Of total energy intake, 41% for boys and 43% for girls was derived from fat. Energy intake was found adequate whereas fat intake was much higher than recommended. A percentage of adolescents also had lower than recommended iron, vitamin A, folate and zinc intakes, showing an unbalanced diet.
Subject(s)
Feeding Behavior/ethnology , Adolescent , Body Mass Index , Child , Diet Records , Dietary Fats/administration & dosage , Energy Intake , Energy Metabolism , Female , Folic Acid/administration & dosage , Greece/ethnology , Humans , Iron, Dietary/administration & dosage , Male , Sex Factors , Skinfold Thickness , Vitamin A/administration & dosage , Zinc/administration & dosageABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Although there is a great interest in sports in Greece, there are very few data regarding dietary intakes and habits of Greek elite female athletes. The present study assesses the dietary intakes and the energy balance of elite female athletes of four different sports (volleyball, middle distance running, ballet dancing, and swimming) and a non-athletic control group. METHODS: Data were collected over two seasons, the training and the competitive, using 7-day weighed dietary records. Energy expenditure was calculated from 7-day activity records. Anthropometric measurements were also taken for all athletes. RESULTS: Athletes and controls had similar BMI values. Per cent body fat was lower for athletes compared with controls. Between sports, middle distance runners had the lowest per cent body fat. No significant differences were found between mean energy intake of athletes and controls. Mean energy intake was found lower than calculated energy expenditure, for all four teams. Macronutrient and micronutrient intakes of the athletes were not statistically different from those of the non-athletic control group. Mean micronutrient intakes were found above the recommended values with the exception of iron. Both athletes and controls had a high intake of vitamin C that is a characteristic of the population of the Mediterranean countries. CONCLUSIONS: Energy intakes varied between sports and between athletes of the same sport. Calculated energy expenditure was higher from the reported energy intake for most athletes. Athletes with the lowest energy intakes reported menstrual abnormalities.
