Nutrition and athletic performance

ABSTRACT

Optimal athletic performance requires adequate nutritional support. This mean getting enough food to meet increased energy needs and a wide variety to ensure adequate nutrient intake. The main energy source should be carbohydrate. Dietary guidelines for healthy eating apply to athletes and diabetics alike. This study evaluated the diets of young athletes for nutritional adequacy and determined the effect on their performance. Sample selection was based on convenience and included normal and diabetic athletes, mainly swimmers and footballers. Attitudes and practices were determined by questionnaire and a 24-hour recall provided data on nutrient intake. BMI and body fat were calculated. Results showed that the nutritional factor most likely to be low was energy. in many cases, this correlated with the athlete's perception of performance. Vitamin and mineral intakes were generally adequate but fibre intake tended to be low. This may be related to the sparsity of fruits and vegetables for many. The main sources of carbohydrate were refined cereals and sugars. Carbohydrate intake ranged from 50-60 percent of calories. Fat intake was relatively high and protein substantial. Most had BMIs above average, with a few underweight and two marginally overweight. Performance was related to quality of diet and importance placed on nutrition. Also critical was the level of training and self-esteem score.(AU)