A nutritional analysis was conducted on 27 adolescent combat sports athletes (15 males, 12 females) participating in karate, taekwondo, boxing, and wushu at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Center, Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh. The study evaluated dietary patterns and nutritional status through detailed 24-hour dietary recall and analysis through Diet Cal.
Male participants age (year) (16.4 ± 1.84) had average height (cm) (159.96 ± 9.66) and weight (kg) (51.67 ± 7.29) with a BMI (kg/m2) of (19.70 ± 2.12). Female participants age (year) (15.42 ± 1.88) averaged height (cm) (154.0 ± 5.89) and weight (kg) (53.42 ± 9.22) with a BMI of (22.85 ± 3.57).
Daily nutrient intake analysis revealed consumption of nutrients in male athletes as protein (gm) (114.76 ± 3), carbohydrates (gm) (268.28 ± 16), and fat (gm) (122.95 ± 5), with micronutrients including Calcium (mg) (721.31 ± 22) p < 0.05, Iron (mg) (17.68 ± 0.80) p < 0.05, and Zinc (mg) (14.16 ± 0.59) p < 0.05. Female athletes showed similar patterns: protein (gm) (111.23 ± 3), carbohydrates (gm) (262.83 ± 11), and fat (gm) (110.62 ± 6), with Calcium (gm) (714.2 ± 20) p < 0.05, Iron (mg) (22.27 ± 0.89) p < 0.05, and Zinc (mg) (12.62 ± 0.34). A significant difference in Calcium, Iron and Zinc uptake was observed in male and female athletes compared to recommended values. Magnesium and Sodium intake was found to be adequate with respect to recommended values from Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).
Key observations included the below-recommended Calcium intake and excessive fat consumption across both genders. While protein intake was high, Iron intake was lower than recommended, particularly among female participants. Recommendations include increasing Calcium-rich food sources, moderating fat intake, monitoring total caloric consumption, and improving Iron intake, especially for females. The findings emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and optimal nutrition in young combat sports athletes and suggest the need for targeted nutritional interventions in this population.
Male participants age (year) (16.4 ± 1.84) had average height (cm) (159.96 ± 9.66) and weight (kg) (51.67 ± 7.29) with a BMI (kg/m2) of (19.70 ± 2.12). Female participants age (year) (15.42 ± 1.88) averaged height (cm) (154.0 ± 5.89) and weight (kg) (53.42 ± 9.22) with a BMI of (22.85 ± 3.57).
Daily nutrient intake analysis revealed consumption of nutrients in male athletes as protein (gm) (114.76 ± 3), carbohydrates (gm) (268.28 ± 16), and fat (gm) (122.95 ± 5), with micronutrients including Calcium (mg) (721.31 ± 22) p < 0.05, Iron (mg) (17.68 ± 0.80) p < 0.05, and Zinc (mg) (14.16 ± 0.59) p < 0.05. Female athletes showed similar patterns: protein (gm) (111.23 ± 3), carbohydrates (gm) (262.83 ± 11), and fat (gm) (110.62 ± 6), with Calcium (gm) (714.2 ± 20) p < 0.05, Iron (mg) (22.27 ± 0.89) p < 0.05, and Zinc (mg) (12.62 ± 0.34). A significant difference in Calcium, Iron and Zinc uptake was observed in male and female athletes compared to recommended values. Magnesium and Sodium intake was found to be adequate with respect to recommended values from Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).
Key observations included the below-recommended Calcium intake and excessive fat consumption across both genders. While protein intake was high, Iron intake was lower than recommended, particularly among female participants. Recommendations include increasing Calcium-rich food sources, moderating fat intake, monitoring total caloric consumption, and improving Iron intake, especially for females. The findings emphasize the importance of a balanced diet and optimal nutrition in young combat sports athletes and suggest the need for targeted nutritional interventions in this population.
Keywords
Year
2024
Volume
Vol 2
Serial
17