Assessment of the diet and body composition of students recreationally training team sports

Abstract

Background: Knowledge about nutrition and supplementation during increased physical activity is still insufficient among people recreationally training sports. The aim of the study was to assess the diet, supplementation and nutritional status, as well as to characterize the body composition of students who recreationally train team sports. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 49 students from team sports sections (19 basketball, 10 volleyball and 20 football). The research tools used in the study were: a 24-hour nutritional interview, a questionnaire (concerning dietary supplementation, the frequency and duration of training) and the results of body composition analysis. Results: The students’ diets had insufficient energy value and deficiencies of EPA and DHA, carbohydrates, fiber and vitamin D. Excessive supply was related to: sodium, iron and vitamin C. 53% of the respondents declared dietary supplementation. Noteworthy, students whose trainings were longer more often decided to change their eating behaviors. Conclusions: The diet of the studied group was not properly balanced in terms of energy and some nutrients. The results of the assessment of students’ diets indicate the necessity of nutritional education for people undertaking regular physical activity.