Assessment of nutrition and anthropometric status of national amputee football team

Purpose: This study was designed to assess the nutrition and anthropometric status of national amputee football team. Methods: Between March 2011 and April 2011, a total of 15 male amputee football players completed the study in Ankara. General knowledge about participants, nutrition habits, one day physical activity record, 24 hour food consumption records and anthropometrics were obtained as a part of this study. Results: The average age of the athletes was 25.5+/-5.2 years, daily mean energy expenditure 2715.9+/-401.4 kcal, and daily mean energy intake 2435+/-540 kcal. The macronutrient distribution of 42.5+/-8.4% of energy from carbohydrate, 42.6+/-7.3 % from fat, and 14.9+/-3.2 % from protein were reported for the participants. Twenty percent of participants used nutritional supplements in addition their diet. The mean height, waist, and upper arm circumference were 175.3+/-8.5 cm, 85.9+/-5.1 cm, and 30.3+/-1.6 cm, respectively. When the athletes' nutrition status was evaluated according to Recommended Daily Allowance values; vitamin B1, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and fiber intake of athletes was inadequate. Conclusion: In the athletes nutrition, energy and micro nutrient inbalance and micro nutrient insufficent was determined. The athletes needs to to be educated about health nutrition for adjustment of nutrition errors.