Critical evaluation of food intake and energy balance in young modern pentathlon athletes: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundModern pentathlon comprises five sports: fencing, swimming, equestrian jumping, and a combined event of pistol shooting and running. Despite the expected high energy demand of this sport, there are few studies that provide support for the nutritional recommendations for pentathletes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate young modern pentathlon athletes with respect to body composition, biochemical profile, and consumption of food and supplements.MethodsFifty-six young modern pentathletes aged 13.5 ± 2.4 years participated in the study: 22 adolescent girls and 34 adolescent boys, weight 55.8 ± 13.3 kg, height 1.6 ± 0.1 m, and body fat 21.1 ± 3.1 %. Food consumption was analyzed through a 24-h recall method and food-frequency questionnaire. Assessment of body composition was carried out by checking anthropometric measures (body mass, height, and skinfolds) and using protocols according to participants’ age and sexual maturity.ResultsMale participants consumed less energy than the general recommendations for athletes from the American Dietetic Association (2749 ± 1024 kcal vs. 3113 ± 704 kcal, p < 0.01), whereas female participants consumed more energy than those recommendations (2558 ± 808 kcal vs. 2213 ± 4734 kcal, p < 0.01). Neither young men nor young women followed the carbohydrate intake recommendations for athletes (6.3 ± 2.5 g/kg/day and 6.6 ± 2.2 g/kg/day, respectively). Lipid and protein intakes corresponded to recommendations for both sexes; however, insufficient intakes of calcium, fruits, and vegetables were seen, as well as frequent consumption of baked goods and sugared soft drinks.ConclusionsAdolescent modern pentathlon athletes presented inadequate eating habits with respect to consumption of carbohydrates and energy. Many participants had insufficient intake of micronutrients, especially calcium. However, future research is needed that is aimed at elucidating the real nutritional demands for good physical performance in this sport and the impact of inadequate eating habits on performance, especially among young athletes who are in the growth-stage years and are exposed to intense physical exercise routines.

The health-related determinants of eating pattern of high school athletes in Goiás, Brazil

“…Our results show that only one-tenth of all athletes regularly consumed vegetables and fruit. These values are much lower than indicated in the literature [33,[46][47][48]. A study with American adolescent participants in sports [49] found a regular consumption of fruits and vegetables in approximately 50% of young athletes.…”

Sport Types and Time Spent Playing Sport Are Associated with Eating Pattern Among Young Brazilian Athletes

“…Only few of all athletes regularly consumed vegetables (18.7%), fruits (27.8%), and milk (37%). Coutinho et al (2), who evaluated Brazilian modern pentathletes, also found that the consumption of fruits (~20%) and vegetables (~15%) was insufficient, whereas the consumption of baked goods (~45%) and sugared soft drinks (~30%) was frequent. These data reflect the actual settings in Brazil, as other studies have also demonstrated low consumption of vegetables and fruits in the country, among adolescents, adults, and elderly people.…”

“…The athletes reported on their weekly frequency of physical exercise (1,2,3,4, and ≥ 5 days per week), annual competition frequency (1 per year, or ≥ 2 per year), sports type (volleyball, basketball, handball, or soccer), and time spent practicing this sport (months). We used a validated and reproducible questionnaire from The Brazilian National School-Based Health Survey (PeNSE) (16,20) to assess the eating pattern.…”

“…In addition to ensuring optimal performance in sports, adequate nutrition is essential for optimal growth, development, and maturation in young athletes (1). Firstly, with regard to performance, the main focus of athletes is adequate energy and nutrient intake and the avoidance of conditions related to nutritional deficiencies, including muscle mass loss, body mass and/or hormonal imbalances, and injuries (2). Secondly, with regard to health, developing a good eating pattern (such as having breakfast, adequate choice and frequency of healthy foods) that is continued in adulthood may reduce the risk of disordered eating and chronic diseases (3).…”

Effect of educational training on nutrition and weight control in under-18 Spanish wrestlers

“…In the weight control process, the most prevalent nutritional strategy is the reduction of or abstention from fluid intake or certain foods. This process is sometimes complemented with saunas, heated rooms, or practicing in a neoprene suit 1,[3][4][5] . After weigh-in for competition, wrestlers take in high amounts of food and liquids, gaining an excessive amount of weight 4 .…”