Macro- and Micro-nutrient Intake of Adolescent Greek Female Volleyball Players

Abstract

Adequate nutrition is critically important for the achievement of the adolescent athlete's optimal performance. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the adequacy of macro-and micro-nutrients in the adolescent Greek female volleyball players' diet. The subjects of the study consisted of 16 players who were members of the Junior National Team (NP) and 49 players who participated in the Junior National Championship (CP). Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day food record. Protein intake (16.0 ± 4.9% of total energy intake) was satisfactory, whereas fat consumption (37.5 ± 11.1%) was above recommended values and at the expense of carbohydrate intake (45.9 ± 12.5%). There were no significant differences between NP and CP concerning the intake of macronutrients, except for the fat intake (when this is expressed in grams per day and grams per kilogram of body weight and the saturated fat intake, which were both higher in NP compared to CP players (p < .05). The mean energy intake was 2013 ± 971 and 1529 ± 675 kcal for NP and CP, respectively (p < .05). NP, in particular, consumed fat and especially saturated fat in order to meet their energy needs. As for micronutrients, the volleyball players fell short of meeting the RDA values for calcium, iron, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, B 1 , B 2 , and B 6 . There was no difference between NP and CP in micronutrient intake. In conclusion, subjects in the current study lacked proper nutrition in terms of quantity and quality.Key Words: nutrition, elite athletes, energy, team sports Adolescent athletes have increased energy needs because of physical activity and physical development. This is especially true for elite adolescent athletes, who exercise strenuously in order to maximize their performance. These athletes should consume high density food for both nutrients and kilocalories (32). Proper nutrition is essential for optimizing athletic performance (9). A general recommendation for all athletes is to consume 60-70% of total energy intake from carbohydrates (CHO), 12-15% from proteins, and 25-30% from fats (20).Generally, young athletes may be inclined to stress fracture (7). Proper nutrition can play a valuable role in avoiding such injuries, as inappropriate nutrition may

Dietary Intakes and Nutritional Status of a Greek Team of Female Volleyball Players

“…Mean protein intake in the present study (1.0 ± 0.3 g/kg/d) was similar to the level reported by Greek female volleyball players [20] but lower than the level reported by Greek female aquatic athletes [9]. Mean carbohydrate intake in the present study (3.8 ± 0.9 g/kg/d) was similar to the levels reported by Greek female volleyball and aquatic athletes [9,20].…”

“…The mean energy intake of the team (30 ± 7 kcal/kg/d) was below the levels reported by American female athletes [2] but similar to the levels reported by Greek female athletes [9,20]. Mean protein intake in the present study (1.0 ± 0.3 g/kg/d) was similar to the level reported by Greek female volleyball players [20] but lower than the level reported by Greek female aquatic athletes [9].…”

“…Mean micronutrient intakes were similar to those reported by Greek female volleyball players [20] and lower than the intakes reported by Greek female aquatic athletes (Farajian et al 004) and American female volleyball and soccer players [2,18].…”

“…Mean fat intake was similar to the intake reported by Greek female volleyball players [20], higher than that reported by Greek female aquatic athletes and American female volleyball athletes [2,9] and higher than the recommended levels for optimum health [7,22]. Eight athletes had fat intakes higher than 30 % of total energy intake.…”

Dietary Intake of Antioxidant Vitamins in Diets of Amateur Adults Preparing For a Marathon

“…A key role in protecting against oxidative damage of muscles caused by exercise, is played by antioxidants from food. An increased dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins has been observed both in our study and among other Polish athletes (Zapolska et al 2014), and among volleyball players from Greece (Papadopoulou et al 2002). Extra vitamin supplements can be helpful in improving the overall efficiency of the body, because they prevent the lowering of blood antioxidant capacity and reduce the activity of ROS.…”