Sousana K. Papadopoulou and Sophia D. Papadopoulou
The purpose of this paper is to make an assessment of energy and nutrients intake of elite female athletes and identify potential differences according to body fat (BF).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to make an assessment of energy and nutrients intake of elite female athletes and identify potential differences according to body fat (BF).
Design/methodology/approach
The sample consists of 69 top female athletes, members of the Greek Olympic National Teams of Volleyball (14 athletes), Basketball (16 athletes), Handball (17 athletes) and Football (22 athletes), aged 25.42 + 3.86 years. The participants undergo anthropometric examinations and the body fat percentage (%BF) is calculated. The sample is divided into two subgroups based on the mean %BF value (35 athletes with %BF ≥ 17 and 34 athletes with %BF < 17). In addition, a three‐day dietary intake record is taken.
Findings
The athletes' body mass index is 22.00 ± 1.75 and %BF is 16.94 ± 3.26. Athletes with %BF ≥ 17 present significantly higher energy intake (1,696 ± 578 kcal) than athletes with %BF < 17 (1,397 ± 379 kcal), p < 0.05. There is a significant positive correlation between %BF and energy intake of the athletes, (r = 0.300, p < 0.05). The athletes with %BF ≥ 17 receive significantly higher amounts of protein and fat in comparison with athletes with %BF < 17. This can be attributed to the fact that these athletes consume more meat and fat group equivalents than athletes with lower fat levels. Athletes with higher BF levels present higher values in vitamins A, B1, B12, folic acid and minerals P and Mn, p < 0.05, compared to the other athletes.
Originality/value
The observed deficiencies in energy and macro‐ and micro‐nutrients, have to be corrected as they represent a barrier for the elite female team‐sport athletes to maintain health and achieve their sport‐related nutrition and competition goals.
Sousana K. Papadopoulou, Maria Mantzorou, Desspina Koutridou, Elias Tassoulas, Styliani Sakellaropoulou, Fani Biskanaki, Efthymis Xatziapostolou and Dimitrios Papandreou
The purpose of this paper is to critically summarize the current data concerning the impact of obesity and micronutrient adequacy and supplementation on the risk and severity of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to critically summarize the current data concerning the impact of obesity and micronutrient adequacy and supplementation on the risk and severity of COVID-19 disease, and their potential impact on treatment and rehabilitation.
Design/methodology/approach
PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were thoroughly searched to identify studies concerning obesity and nutritional status, vitamin and other micronutrients adequacy with COVID-19 severity.
Findings
Individuals with higher body mass index are in greater risk of severe disease and need for mechanical ventilation. Concerning micronutrient adequacy, no published studies at the present time have evaluated the effect of supplementation on the risk and the treatment of the novel disease.
Originality/value
Recently, COVID-19 has monopolized the interest of the medical community regarding diet and nutritional status and it possibly plays an important role in disease severity.