Nutritional profile of adolescents practicing resistance exercise

Abstract

Objective: To assess the nutritional profile of adolescents practicing resistance exercise, determining the adequacy of the macronutrients and micronutrients caloric intake, and their nutritional status. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted from August to September 2010 at a gym in Fortaleza-CE. A questionnaire comprising identification, anthropometric, dietary and supplementary data was applied to the adolescents. Data was analyzed using the Avanutri software, which assessed the adolescents’ nutritional status and the macronutrients and micronutrients caloric intake. Results: The sample consisted of 33 students, of which 66.7% (n=22) were male and 33.3% (n=11) female. It is noteworthy that the majority of boys (60.6%; n=20) and of girls (27.3%; n=9) presented adequate Body Mass Index (BMI). As for the caloric intake, insufficient consumption predominated (39.4%; n=13) among boys. Regarding macronutrients, insufficient consumption of carbohydrates predominated in both sexes. The protein intake was adequate in most of the group and the predominant fat intake was excessive. On the micronutrients, there was great inadequacy, especially the intake of calcium, vitamins A, B2 and B6, zinc, magnesium and copper. Vitamin E, niacin and pyridoxine were being consumed in amounts potentially harmful. Conclusion: Although the majority of adolescents have shown normal nutritional status, the analyzed questionnaires showed a large inadequacy, which is liable, in the long term, to affect health. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5020/18061230.2013.p489

Keywords

• Nutrição
• Adolescente
• Exercício Físico