Twenty-seven swimmer athletes (14 women and 13 men), aged 13 to 21 years old, were studied to determine their dietary habits and food intakes. The subjects recorded their food intake and frequency. The percentage of their nutritional adequacy was determined comparing the nutritional requirements of each person (theoretically calculated) with the consumed quantities. The results indicated that the caloric intake was higher for men (3124,7 Kcal against 1865 Kcal for women). The intake of all the other nutrients was observed to be higher for men, except for vitamin C. The diet was unbalanced (macronutrients) for both sexes. Men presented a low adequacy (70-80%) of carbohydrates and vitamin A, excess of protein, fat, vitamin C and iron (> 110%), and a normal adequacy of the other nutrients.Women presented a marginal adequacy of carbohydrates, energy and calcium (< 70%), excess of vitamin C, and a normal adequacy of the other nutrients.
food consumption; food habits; nutrition; diet; athletes; swimmers
