Articles : A Study on Nutrient Intakes of the Adolescent Female Athletes in Incheon by Age and Sport Types

Journal of Exercise Nutrition & Biochemistry 2004;8(2):221-228.

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the nutrient intakes of female adolescent athletes in Incheon area. The subjects were 95 female adolescent athletes. Nutrient intakes were obtained with a self-reported questionnaire and 3-days recall method. Also anthropometric measurements were conducted. Statistical analysis by two-way ANOVA was performed to discriminate the main effects of age (as middle and high school athletes) and sports types, and their interaction. Field and track middle school athletes showed the lowest body fat, which was significantly different compared to those of other sports types (p＜0.001). Field and track athletes` overall daily nutrient intake was significantly higher compared to those of other sports types. In all sports groups, consumption of protein. phosphorus, niacin and vitamin B6 met the Korean RDAs, while iron and calcium consumption was below 75% of the Korean RDAs, especially fencing and swimming athletes below 50% of the Korean RDAs. The result of this study suggests that female adolescent athletes in Incheon area had problems of poor iron and calcium intakes. And there were significant differences in nutrient intake among the different sports types. Therefore, further studies are necessary to improve athletic performance and nutritional status of female adolescent athletes.

Key Words: female adolescent athlete, anthropometric measurements, nutrient intakes, sport types