Journal of Advances in Sports and Physical Education (JASPE)
Volume-1 | Issue-01 | 24-30
Original Research Article
Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Emaswati Adolescent Swimmers
Dube Adiele, Gundani D. Patrick Morgan, Lunga M. Carolyne, Satish Rastogi
Published : June 30, 2018
Abstract
Abstract: This study aims at examining the dietary intake status of adolescent swimmers. It also compares nutrient intake against the recommended dietary allowances and its associated implications on athlete’s health. A total of 65 subjects aged between 11 to 18 years was purposively selected; 35 swimmers and 30 non-swimmers. A structured Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to collect data. Correlations between continuous variables, association between BMI of swimmers and non-swimmers were calculated using ANOVA. The χ² test was used to compare the nutrient intake with the RDA of control and experimental group. Swimmers were taller, heavier and had higher waist hip ratio to a non-swimmers. The experimental and control groups reported a significant BMI and MAC. Females in two groups consumed meat protein than their male counterparts despite that the groups had many non-vegans. Although not statistically significant, men's consumption of food stuffs was higher than women; with χ² reflecting 3.4897 and 6.4371 respectively at 5%. Comparing MAR and NAR from swimmers and non-swimmers, nutritional intake in both swimmers and swimmers were seen to be inadequate in calcium (93%; 97%), riboflavin (91.7%; 92.6%), zinc (71%; 78.5%), and absorbic acid (94.2%; 95.7%) whereas intake of iron (0.4%; 1.1%) and protein (8.3%; 12.2%) was found adequate except for few swimmers. The means for groups were 0.71 and 0.75 respectively indicating that one or more nutrients were lower than the RDA. Despite that most energy intakes from the subjects were higher than RDA, mean of male and female swimmers on total fibre and fat were below the recommended daily allowances though significantly statistical at 5% level as 2.2645 and 2.1732 respectively. Adolescents showed that they were not consuming less water compared to other drinks of water even after training sessions. A healthy diet throughout is important to provide nutrients that support optimal physical growth and cognitive development.