FOOD CONSUMPTION BY BEACH HANDBALL WORLD-CHAMPION TEAMS

Abstract

Objective: to assess the food intake of male and female athletes of the Brazilian national beach handball teams during the competitive period of the World Cup 2013. Material and Methods: We performed assessments of food consumption and anthropometric parameters in 32 male and female adult athletes of the Brazilian beach handball teams. For this, we used a 24-hour dietary recall, bioelectrical impedance method and skinfold protocol. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: The men’s team presented with suitable fat percentage, suggesting a large amount of muscle mass in the body composition; the female team also had adequate fat percentage. The general dietary intake and carbohydrate intake were found to be within the recommendations in both teams, but the men's team consumed excessive protein amounts and both teams had high amounts of lipids as well as total cholesterol. Despite this, the mono and polyunsaturated fats were ingested in adequate amounts. The men’s team showed poor intake of calcium, iodine, copper, magnesium, vitamins B9 and D, and excessive vitamin B3. In the women's team, the consumption of calcium, iodine, potassium, copper, magnesium, vitamins A, D, E, B5 and B9 was deficient and intake of iron and vitamin B3 was higher than the recommended amounts. Conclusion: Subjects had inadequate food intake, indicating the need for multidisciplinary approach for monitoring athletes in order to enhance their sports performance. DESCRIPTORS Anthropometry. Food Consumption. Athletes.