Nutritional analysis in young football, tennis and baskeball players

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to quantify and analyze nutritional intake in young football, basketball and tennis players. 45 male athletes aged between 16 and 18 agreed to participate voluntarily in the study. All of them were federated in the following sports: soccer (n = 15), tennis (n = 15) and basketball (n = 15). To carry out the study, we proceeded to evaluate the diet and the different concentrations of macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Procedure consisted of a nutritional record for three consecutive days, including a day of the weekend. The results obtained show macronutrient values very similar to other studies. Likewise, in the results obtained in micronutrients, there is a deficit in the vitamin B complex, and in vitamin D and E. Regarding the results obtained in minerals, a deficit in zinc and calcium was observed, with values much lower than the recommended daily amount. In conclusion, it is important to carry out a nutritional monitoring in young sports practitioners, in order to diagnose possible deficits, especially in vitamins and minerals, and that may affect sports performance or health, and thus be able to establish feeding guidelines for their prevention.