Nutrition Status of High Performance Rowers, Canoeists and Kayakers

Abstract

Research background and hypothesis. Rowing and canoeing-kayaking are some of the leading sports in Lithuania, and athletes have achieved victories in European and world championships. In order to effectively manage the preparation of Lithuanian elite rowers, canoeists and kayakers, research in their nutrition status is important, relevant and necessary. Hypothesis: dietary intake of rowers and canoeists-kayakers comply with nutrition requirements. Research aim was to assess nutrition status, physical development and the interactions between them for Lithuanian Olympic team rowers, canoeists and kayakers.Research methods. Research on the nutrition status and supplementation was carried out in the preparatory competition period in 2012. The sample included 18.2 ± 2.3-year-old rowers (n = 24) and 21.5 ± 5.2-year-old canoeists-kayakers (n = 12). Body composition analysis and physical development of athletes was performed using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method. Research results. Regardless of gender, MFMI of kayakers-canoeists and rowers was only average. Athletes’ dietary energy intake (EI) does not fully cover the energy expenditure, the diet lacks carbohydrates, dietary fibres, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and there is too much fat, saturated fatty acids and cholesterol. 92% of athletes take supplements. Most often athletes’ dietary supplementation includes carbohydrates (73.9%), amino acids (73.9%), minerals (73.9%), vitamins (65.2%), and multivitamins (65.2%). Discussion and conclusions. Nutrition status and physical development of Lithuanian elite kayakers-canoeists and rowers does not meet the requirements of nutrition. Diets of high performance kayakers-canoeists and rowers must be optimized, adjusted and individualized.Keywords: rowers, canoeists and kayakers, high sports performance, athlete nutrition.