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Dietary diversity (DD) is a proxy indicator of nutrient adequacy and has been propagated as a health beneficial component of dietary behavior. This study aims to understand DD and its association with lipid indices among Indian Kho-Kho players.

In all, 50 Indian Kho-Kho players aged between 16 years and 31 years belonging to different regions of India were recruited. Dietary diversity score (DDS; food groups/day) and food variety score (FVS; number of food items/day) were considered to assess the DD. The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization food frequency questionnaire was used as a tool. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL, VLDL and HDL were measured.

The DDS and FVS showed that athletes were consuming approximately 7 of 9 food groups (Mean ± SD: 6.5 ± 1.3) and 27 varieties of foods (Mean ± SD:27.0 ± 8.6) from 9 food groups per day. This study could not find significant differences for DDS and FVS among athletes belonging to different regions. FVSs of organ meat, eggs and spices and condiments were significantly positively associated with TG (p < 0.036, p < 0.020 and p < 0.001) and VLDL (p < 0.054, p < 0.021 and p < 0.001). LDL was inversely significantly associated with FVS of cereals, white root and tubers (p < 0.032).

DDS and FVS were not associated with lipid indices among Kho-Kho players. However, individual FVS of organ meat, eggs and spices and condiments may increase TG and VLDL. Optimum consumption of cereals and root tubers may help to maintain LDL levels among Kho-Kho players.

It was found that daily consumption of organ meat and eggs may increase TG and VLDL, and optimum consumption of cereals and white roots and tubers may help to maintain LDL. High energy and fat foods may act as mediators along with spices and condiments in increasing TG and VLDL.