Although soccer is a popular sport in Brazil, the amputee soccer is not known by the public in general. This sport requires an increase on the metabolic demand and with the amputation of lower limbs, the energy cost of walking and running can increase dramatically. Thus, the nutritional aspect plays an important role in the athletic performance and quality of life of these athletes. The objective of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of four amputees soccer players aged between 21 and 33 years old, members of the Brazilian Amputee Soccer Team. Dietary intake was evaluated using the six-day food records for energy, macronutrients, fibers and micronutrients. The anthropometrical evaluation consisted of weight, height, skinfold and circumferences measurements, which allowed to assess the nutritional status. Biochemical analyses were: hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin and transferrin to verify the nutritional iron status; urea, albumin and creatinine to feature protein status and the total cholesterol and fractions and triglycerides to evaluate the lipids profile. The results showed that athletes presented high ranges for the energetic intake (2,179 to 4,294 kcal) and the macronutrients. The athletes showed lipid intake between 25 to 30% of daily energy intake, protein intake between 1.8 to 3.9 g/kg/day and a low percentage of carbohydrates (48 to 54% of daily energy intake) and a low ingestion of vitamin E. The biochemical analyses showed no iron anemia, with adequate protein reserves and lipids profile in normal ranges. In conclusion, the amputee soccer athletes need nutritional orientation to correct inadequate food habits, observed in pre-competition period, and to improve the athletic performance.
Soccer; Amputee; Nutritional assessment; Food intake; Anthropometry; Biochemical evaluation
