Evaluation of nutrient intake and diet quality of national youth badminton players

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient intakes and diet quality of national youth badminton players participating in summer camp training in 2016. Methods Total of 40 middle school players and 60 high school players were included in the study. Two players with skipped meals were excluded from the final target. Food intake data for the 3-day using 24-hour recall method were obtained and analyzed using the CAN-pro 5.0 (Web ver. Korean Nutrition Society, Korea). Differences in nutrient intakes and diet quality were compared between middle school players and high school players using independent samples t-test. Results Intakes of vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, folic acid, calcium, chloride, magnesium, and zinc in both groups were lower than (RNI) recommended intakes of KDRIs. On the other hand, intake of sodium significantly exceeded the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) of KDRIs in both groups. The NARs (Nutrient Adequacy Ratio) of vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, calcium and zinc were less than 0.75 in both groups. The NAR​s ​of 11 nutrients except for folic acid were significantly lower in high school players. The MAR (Mean Adequacy Ratio) of middle school players was 0.78, significantly higher than 0.64 of high school players. The INQs (Index of Nutritional Quality) of vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid, calcium and zinc were less than 0.75 in both groups. The INQs of vitamin A, vitamin B6 and zinc were significantly lower in high school players. On the other hand, the total DDS (Dietary Diversity Score) of high school players was 3.88, significantly higher than 3.29 of middle school players. The DDS of fruit group as well as milk and dairy group were particularly low. Conclusions The results suggest that balanced diet managed by professional dieticians along with nutrition education should be implemented to improve nutrients intake and diet quality of national youth badminton players.