Physical Activity Level in Relation to the Nutrient Intake of Elite Athletes
Aditi Sewak *
Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India.
Neerja Singla
Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India.
Rohini Jain
Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141004, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: The present study was conducted to study the relationship between the nutrient intake and physical activity level of 120 (16-25 years) elite athletes.
Methods: Athletes were selected from 5 universities of Punjab, participating in 4 sports viz. hockey, athletics, badminton and lawn tennis and their nutritional status and sports performance was assessed.
Results: The findings suggested that athletes had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and the energy, protein and iron intake of all the athletes was lower than dietary recommendations (61, 61.3 and 35% respectively). However, percent adequacy of calcium (91%), vitamin A (94.7%) and vitamin C (183%) was adequately high among overall athletes. Majority of athletes (51.7%) had vigorously active lifestyle; 44.2% had moderately active lifestyle.
Conclusion: Intake of nutrients was positively correlated with physical activity.
Keywords: Elite athlete, physical activity, sports performance, suggested dietary intake, recommended dietary allowance.