Comparison of body composition and nutrients’ deficiencies between Portuguese rink-hockey players

Abstract

We evaluated dietary intake and body composition of child and adolescent rink-hockey players and controls. Seventy-two male rink-hockey players (38 children and 34 adolescents) and 79 male controls (43 children and 36 adolescents) were evaluated in order to collect training data, detailed dietary intake and body composition. Rink-hockey players presented significantly lower body fat (BF) and higher fat-free mass (FFM) than controls. Mean intakes of carbohydrate and protein were considered to be adequate, but mean intakes of fat were above the recommended levels in athletes. Significant differences were found for energy intake (EI) and exercise energy expenditure (EEE) between athletes and controls (P < 0.05), resulting in some cases of low energy availability in rink-hockey players. Significant group differences (P < 0.05) were also observed for vitamins and mineral intakes in child and adolescent rink-hockey players due to higher mean intakes in control groups. Low intakes of vitamins D, E and K, calcium, iron, boron and magnesium were reported in athletes, with exception for thiamine (P = 0.449), riboflavin (P = 0.246), pantothenic acid (P = 0.065), magnesium (P = 0.061) and phosphorus (P = 0.051) in children and for niacin (P = 0.652), vitamin D (P = 0.406) and zinc (P = 0.783) in adolescents. Conclusion: Nutritional deficiencies in macronutrients and micronutrients observed in very young rink-hockey players can impair their growth and development with negative consequences upon athletic performance.What is Known:• Adequate dietary intake is an important resource for athletes’ short- and long-term health, performance and recovery.• There are no published studies in rink-hockey players’ energy availability.What is New:• This study provides the first data on significant differences in energy intake between very young athletes and controls, resulting in low energy availability in rink-hockey players.• Mean intakes of fat were above the recommended levels, and micronutrients intakes were inappropriate in athletes with consequences for their health and performance.