Organic Food in Athletes Diet-Narrative Review of Alternative Products in Sports Nutrition.

Athletes are characterized by special nutritional needs. Meeting their dietary needs associated with intensive exercise is a prerequisite for effective training and success in sports competitions. Hence, it is important to supply key performance nutrients, such as macronutrients, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin D, or iron, in adequate quantities. The increased need for these nutrients makes it necessary to look for food products on the market that more fully cover these needs. Such products may include organic foods. According to research, they have unique properties and are richer in selected nutrients, such as antioxidants. Hence, the aim of this review was to analyze the available literature as to whether organic foods have the potential to more fully cover the increased nutritional requirements of athletes for selected nutrients compared to conventionally produced foods. A narrative review of current literature was carried out. As the analysis showed, organic foods are characterized by a higher content of antioxidant bioactive compounds, a higher content of n-3 fatty acids, a better n:3/n:6 ratio, and a more optimal amino acid composition, which may result in an appropriate dietary ration design for athletes. In conclusion, organic food appears to be an interesting alternative to meet the special nutritional needs of professional and amateur athletes.

Dietary intake of polish organic and conventional fruit growers and their life partners - a pilot study.

Diet is one of the elements that contribute to health and quality of life. There are significant discrepancies between the diets of people living in different regions, with different beliefs, or with different approaches to sustainability and ecology. There is a lack of research on dietary intake among organic and conventional fruit growers. The aim of our study was to examine the diets of orchardists and their immediate life partners in terms of meeting energy requirements, nutrient intake and fulfillment of dietary recommendations in this group. Fifty-three participants (28 in the organic group and 25 in the conventional group) took part in the study. Dietary data were obtained using the 3-day dietary record. Body mass and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Physical activity was estimated using a questionnaire method. The study group was aged 44 ± 8 years, with a body weight of 84 ± 16 kg and a height of 172 ± 9 cm. The mean BMI was 28 ± 4 kg/m2. Mean energy intake with diet was 2170 ± 606 kcal/day with needs of 3002 (1991-5144) kcal/day. A significant proportion of the study group did not fulfill their calcium and vitamin D requirements. In addition, a significant proportion of the conventional fruit growers did not cover their needs for potassium, magnesium and vitamins: E, C, and folate. Both groups had too high an intake of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids, and too low an intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, the orchardists' diets mostly provided adequate amounts of nutrients, with inadequate intakes of calcium, vitamin D, cholesterol, and fatty acids. The diets of organic fruit growers were significantly richer in selected nutrients.

Energy expenditure during training and official league match in professional female soccer players - a pilot study.

Background: The most important component of a well-balanced diet is the proper energetic value. However, adequate estimation of the body's energy needs is difficult for professional athletes, including soccer players. There is little research showing energy expenditure during training and lack of studies on the energy expenditure of professional female soccer players during a match. Objective: The aim of our study was to estimate energy expenditure during training and official league match in female soccer players and comparing it. Material and methods: Seven Polish professionally practicing soccer females (23.4±6,6 years old; 63.5±7.8 kg; 168.5±5.8 cm; 46±4.4 kg fat-free mass) participated in the study. The participants had their height and body mass measured. Energy expenditure during activities was measured by means of a SenseWear Pro3 Armband device. Body composition was assessed with Akern BIA 101 Anniversary Sport Edition device. Results: Statistically higher energy expenditure was achieved in the study group during the match hour (452±55 kcal/hour) compared to the training hour (353±28 kcal/ hour) as well as in the case of energy expenditure per hour of activity per kg of fat-free mass (match: 9.94±1.75 kcal/kg fat-free mass/hour; training: 7.71±0.8 kcal/kg fat-free mass/hour). During one hour of training, more time was spent on sedentary, light, and moderate activities, but the difference was statistically significant only for light activities. More time during the match hour than during the training hour was spent on vigorous and very vigorous activities. Conclusions: In conclusion, the energy expenditure of the players during the match was greater than in the case of the planned intensive training, which was caused by the timeshare of more intense physical activities and going a longer distance during match.

Food Front-of-Pack Labelling and the Nutri-Score Nutrition Label-Poland-Wide Cross-Sectional Expert Opinion Study.

Front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) systems, such as the Nutri-Score, play a crucial role in promoting healthy diets and raising consumer awareness. Our study aimed to gather the opinions of Polish experts on the Nutri-Score and its relation to an ideal information system. We conducted a Poland-wide expert opinion study using a cross-sectional design survey with 75 participants, who had an average of 18 ± 13 years of experience and were mainly employed at medical and agricultural universities. The data were collected with the CAWI method. The results showed that the most important features of an FOPL system were clarity, simplicity, consistency with healthy eating recommendations, and the ability to objectively compare products within the same group. While more than half of the respondents believed that the Nutri-Score provides an overall assessment of a product's nutritional value and facilitates quick purchasing decisions, it falls short in helping consumers compose a balanced diet and cannot be applied to all product groups. The experts also expressed concerns about the system's ability to account for a product's degree of processing, full nutritional value and carbon footprint. In conclusion, Poland's current labelling system needs expansion, but the Nutri-Score requires significant and detailed changes and validation against national guidelines and expert expectations before implementation.

Organic Food Consumption and Perception among Polish Mothers of Children under 6 Years Old.

Pro-environmental attitudes, including organic food consumption, can reduce negative impact on the environment. The consumption of organic food in Poland is rather low, but the ecological awareness of Poles is steadily increasing. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and factors influencing the consumption of organic products and to analyze the perception of such food by mothers of children under 6 years of age (n = 667). The survey was conducted between March 2020 and May 2021 in three voivodships in Eastern Poland. The results of the survey indicate that the majority of respondents are occasional consumers of organic food (51%). The most commonly consumed organic products are eggs, vegetables and fruits, whereas the least consumed are alcoholic beverages, coffees and ready-to-eat meals. The responders' main characteristics of organic food are as follows: no genetic modification/GMO-free, no synthetic additives and having organic certification. Statistically significant correlations were found between the frequency of organic food consumption and education, financial situation as well as familiarity with the logo of the organic certificate and verifying that it is present on the packaging. The most common reasons for consuming organic food were health issues, while the high price was declared as the main barrier.

Fantastic Foods and Where to Find Them-Advantages and Disadvantages of Nutri-Score in the Search for Healthier Food.

The composition and quality of food rations and the intake of nutrients with the diet are undoubtedly reflected in our health. In order to help the consumer choose the right food product, food manufacturers use front-of-pack labels, which are designed to convey concise information about the nutritional value of the product. Such labels include the Nutri-Score system. In this paper, we have critically analyzed this system. As the available data indicate, this system does not take into account a number of factors that affect the quality of a food product, including the size of the package, the contents of vitamins, minerals, and other selected health-promoting ingredients, the degree of processing, or the fatty acid profile of the product, and it discriminates against regional products, organic products, and juices and nectars. This system, although intuitive and created with good intentions, still has quite a few flaws that must be addressed before it can be considered to correctly indicate the nutritional value of food products.

Body Mass, Physical Activity and Eating Habits Changes during the First COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Poland.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a number of changes in social life around the world. In response to the growing number of infections, some countries have introduced restrictions that may have resulted in the change of the lifestyle. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of the lockdown on body weight, physical activity and some eating habits of the society. The survey involving 183 people was conducted using a proprietary questionnaire. The mean age of the study participants was 33 ± 11 and mean height 169 ± 8 cm. An average increase in body weight was observed in 49.18% by 0.63 ± 3.7 kg which was the result of a decrease in physical activity and an increase in food consumption. We also observed a decrease in PAL from 1.64 ± 0.15 to 1.58 ± 0.13 and changes in the amount of food and individual groups of products consumption, including alcohol. Among the study participants who did not lose body mass, there was an average weight gain of 2.25 ± 2.5 kg. In conclusion, an increase of weight was shown in about half of the respondents in the study group which was associated with a decrease in physical activity and an increase in the consumption of total food and high energy density products.

Nutrition for Female Soccer Players-Recommendations.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. As its number of players is increasing, the number of female players is also on the rise. However, there are limited data about how the diets of female soccer players should be designed. Thus, the aim of our work is to deliver concise nutritional recommendations for women practicing this sport. Based on a literature review, we emphasize that individual adjustment of the energy value of the diet is the key factor for the physical performance of female soccer players. Appropriate macronutrient intake makes it possible to achieve the proper energy value of the diet (5-10 g/kg body mass/day carbohydrates; 1.2-1.7 g/kg body mass/day proteins; <30% fats from energy). The micronutrients should be consumed in amounts corresponding to individual values recommended in national standards. Soccer players should pay special attention to the proper consumption of such micronutrients, as well as vitamins such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D. The right amount of fluid intake, consistent with the player's needs, is crucial in maximizing exercise performance. The diet of a female practicing soccer is usually characterized with low energy values, which increases the risk of various health consequences related to low energy availability. Monitoring the diets of female soccer players is, therefore, necessary.

Low energy availability in group of Polish female soccer players

Background: The most important element of a well-balanced diet is a proper energetic value. Energy deficiencies are often observed in athletes, especially women. Energy deficiencies can lead to low energy availability which can cause serious health problems and affect exercise capacities. There is, therefore, a risk of health complications and reduced physical performance among female soccer players. Objective: The aim of this study was to check the frequency of low energy availability appearance in a group of women training soccer, which could results in negative health effects due to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S). Material and methods: Thirty-one professional female soccer players practicing on different league levels (Extra-league, I league, II league) participated in the study. The participants had their height and body mass measured. To assess the Energy Intake the method of 3-day dietary food recording was used. Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) and Exercise Energy Expenditure (EEE) was measured by means of an Armband SenseWear Pro3 device. The content of fat free mass was assessed with Akern BIA 101 Anniversary Sport Edition device. Results: The body mass median of participants was 58 kg. The average height was 166±5 cm, and the average BMI was 21.4±2 kg/m2. TEE was 2703±392 kcal/day, while EEE was 515 kcal (203-597 kcal). Energy intake was 1548±452 kcal/day. Energy availability was 25±11 kcal/kg fat free mass/day. Twenty of the study participants had low energy availability. The percentage of EEE in TEE was 17.93±3.14%. Conclusions: Low energy availability was demonstrated in the vast majority of studied group, which may lead to negative health consequences or reduction of exercise capacity.

Dietary Intake of Polish Female Soccer Players.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the energy expenditure and fulfillment of nutritional needs of female soccer players. Participants in this research were 41 professional soccer players from the three Polish female soccer league levels: Ekstraleague, I League and II League. The participants had their height and body mass measured. Total Energy Expenditure was measured by means of a SenseWear Pro3 Armband device. Data related to the food-intake energy values and the consumption of macro- and micronutrients were obtained through systematic recording of results, which was conducted over a three-day-long period at the start of the competitive season. The average age of the participants was 21 ± 5 years, the average height was 167.5 ± 5 cm, and the average body mass was 62.53 ± 9.8 kg. The average energy expenditure of the participants was 2811 ± 493 kcal/day, and their average energy intake was 1476 ± 434 kcal/day. The average consumption of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins was 199 ± 20.6, 47.3 ± 20.7, and 72.3 ± 24.2 g/day, respectively. There was a prevalence of inadequate intake of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iodine, vitamins D, E and B1, and folate in the diet of the examined group. The remaining micronutrients were consumed in the prescribed amounts by at least 50% of the examined group. The participants demonstrated low energy intakes, and consequently, low consumption of macronutrients and a large number of micronutrients.