Abstract des Autors

A proper nutrition plays an important role in the training of athletes. However, questionable and inadequate eating habits are often found in highly competitive female athletes. Therefore, the food habits of national players of three team games particularly popular among Italian young people (basketball, softball and volleyball) have been investigated. The results of the investigation show acceptable values regarding IMC as well as daily energy intake. Besides, they point out an unbalanced energy distribution among macronutrients, an insufficient intake of some minerals and an excessive preference for simple carbohydrates and for fats and proteins from animal source. As far as the daily distribution of meals is concerned, the study shows rather good results, in particular for what regards breakfast consumption and the food selection related to this meal, even though its energy intake is often below the recommendations. In conclusion, the groups of athletes studied generally show satisfying eating behaviours, which confirm the trend of national sports world toward a better adjustment of its nutritional knowledge and its food habits to the advices issued and supported by sports physicians and nutritionists. The positive effects deriving from nutritional information must represent only an incentive to intensify nutritional education activities, for the benefit not only of general sports world but expecially of any younger athlete. Verf.-Referat