Food consumption and use of nutritional ergogenic aids by amateur tennis players from Pelotas-RS

Introduction and objective: The consumption of healthy foods and a balanced diet in nutrients and energy enable to meet the physiological needs and the nutritional demands to achieve good results in practice of tennis. This study aimed to verify the food consumption and the use of nutritional ergogenic aids by amateur tennis players of Pelotas-RS. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with 73 players of a social club of Pelotas-RS. It was applied a questionnaire about socioeconomic profile, food habits and use of nutritional ergogenic aids. Were also assessed the measures of weight and waist circumference. Statistical analyzes were performed in Stata 14.0 (R), with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: The energy needs were for below the recommended levels (p=0.0001). Concerning macronutrients, the players showed excessive consumption of proteins and lipids and insufficient of carbohydrates. About the micronutrients, we found an intake below the recommended for fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese and vitamins A, B1, B9, C, D and E, while the sodium consumption was high. From the sample, 21,9% used nutritional ergogenic aids 43,8% of them by his own consumed. Discussion: Studies show that the tennis players have negative energy balance and unbalanced intake of most nutrients. Conclusion: The sample's food consumption was inadequate, with various nutrients intake being below the recommendation. The use of nutritional ergogenic aids was low, noting that its use was not for professional orientation.