Dietary Intakes and Nutritional Status of a Greek Team of Female Volleyball Players

Abstract

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary intakes and nutritional status of a nationally ranked team of female volleyball players.

Methods: The subjects completed a general history questionnaire and 7-day food and
physical activity records. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, triceps and subscapular skinfolds and mid-upper-arm circumference. Biochemical assessment included parameters for protein, lipid, and iron status.

Results: All subjects had normal menstrual cycles and body fat values (27 %) at levels higher than for optimum performance. Most were in negative energy balance and had low energy (30 kcal/kg/d), carbohydrate (3.8 g/kg/d) and protein (1.0 g/kg/d) intakes. Fat intakes were high (39 %) and micronutrient intakes were below recommended levels, except for vitamin C, vitamin B12 and niacin. Biochemical indices were normal except for iron and lipid status of some players.

Conclusion: These results indicate that the players of this team have dietary intakes that place them at risk for nutritional shortages and compromised performance; they need professional counseling regarding nutrition practices for optimum health and performance.

Full text

International Journal of Nutrition and Exercise, 2015, vol.1, pp. 1-22
Published online 22nd July 2015
Dietary Intakes and Nutritional Status of a Greek Team of Female Volleyball
Players
Galanis Nikiforos *1, Kleftouris George 2, Alafropatis Ilias 1,Oral Onur 3,
Tsiridis Eleftherios1,Sayegh Fares 1, Kirkos John 1
*1Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Medical
School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
2Royal Lancaster Infirmary University Hospital, NHS trust, Lancaster, UK
3 School of Physical Education and Sports, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
*Correspondence to:
Galanis Nikiforos , Kerasountos 6, Thessaloniki 55131, Greece, kyros@med.auth.gr,
ngalanismed@gmail.com , telephone: 0030 2313323693, fax: 0030 2310 991564 International Journal
of Nutrition and Exercise, 2015, vol.1, pp. 1-22 Published online 22nd July 2015
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary intakes and nutritional status of a nationally
ranked team of female volleyball players.
Methods: The subjects completed a general history questionnaire and 7-day food and
physical activity records. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, triceps and
subscapular skinfolds and mid-upper-arm circumference. Biochemical assessment included parameters
for protein, lipid, and iron status.
Results: All subjects had normal menstrual cycles and body fat values (27 %) at levels higher than for
optimum performance. Most were in negative energy balance and had low energy (30 kcal/kg/d),
carbohydrate (3.8 g/kg/d) and protein (1.0 g/kg/d) intakes. Fat intakes were high (39 %) and
micronutrient intakes were below recommended levels, except for vitamin C, vitamin B12 and niacin.
Biochemical indices were normal except for iron and lipid status of some players.
Conclusion: These results indicate that the players of this team have dietary intakes that place them at
risk for nutritional shortages and compromised performance; they need professional counseling
regarding nutrition practices for optimum health and performance.
Key words: exercise, nutrition, volleyball, anthropometry, biochemical assessment,
macronutrients, micronutrients