Abstract

Aim. To study the adequacy of energy and nutrient intakes in relation to energy expenditure in elite canoeists. Methods. Thirteen male canoeists of the Italian national team (aged 20-30 years) were evaluated during winter training. Body weight (BW), height, body mass index (BMI) were measured, while fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) were assessed by the skinfold thickness method. Daily energy expenditure was estimated during a 7 consecutive-day-period using a factorial method. Dietary information was collected using a weekly questionnaire, to assess energy and nutrient intake. Results. Mean BW and height were 82.5 ± 6.2 kg and 183.2 ± 5.7 cm and BMI was 24.6 ± 1.6 kg/m2. Mean body FFM was 73.7 ± 5.4 kg and percentage FM was 10.7 ± 1.9 %. Daily energy expenditure was not significantly different from energy intake (4.49 ± 0.32 vs 4.13 ( 0.94 Mcal, respectively, p=ns). Percentages of energy from carbohydrates, lipids and protein were 55.1, 29.0 and 15.9 %, respectively. The mean dietary fibre and iron consumption was close to the Italian recommended dietary allowances. However, the mean cholesterol and calcium consumption was higher than the recommended dietary allowances (418 vs 300 mg/d and 1458 vs 800 mg/d, respectively). Conclusion. The elite canoeists had similar physical characteristics and body composition as same category athletes. Energy expenditure was not significantly different from energy intake. In addition, nutrient intakes agreed with the Italian recommended dietary allowances, except for cholesterol and calcium. Some subjects had excessive lipids intake which suggests the necessity of nutritional education, regular body weight and body composition controls, and regular energy expenditure and energy intake controls to preserve good health and have good performances. Verf.-Referat