A Comparative Study on the Nutritional Profile of Male and Female Sportspersons

Harveen Kaur and Neerja Singla*

Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India.

Corresponding Author Email: singla.neerja@pau.edu

To study the impact of dietary pattern on nutritional status of sportspersons, a sample of 120 sportspersons including 60 vegetarian and 60 non-vegetarian in the age group of 16-25 years were selected from Punjab Agricultural University and Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana. The data regarding general profile, anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin levels, dietary and nutrient intake of the sportspersons was collected. It was revealed that percent adequacy of all the food groups including cereals, pulses, vegetables and sugar was inadequate. However, intake of fruits and milk and milk products was found to be higher. Among nutrient intake, the percent adequacy of energy, protein, fat and iron was found to be inadequate among vegetarian and non-vegetarian category of both the genders, however, that of calcium, folic acid was found to be more than adequate. Among vegetarian males 6.7 percent and 3.4 percent among non-vegetarian males were found to have a Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5, whereas 40 and 30 percent vegetarian and non-vegetarian females were underweight respectively. The potential health benefits of a vegetarian diet have been reported among non athletes. However, it was considered relevant to consider the benefits of a vegetarian diet among athletes and whether their nutritional status can be improved or compromised in any ways. Therefore, in the present study a comparison was made with regard to various parameters of nutritional status of the vegetarian and non- vegetarian male and female sportspersons.

Anthropometric; Body Mass Index; Dietary intake; Haemoglobin; Non-vegetarian; Nutrient intake; Sportsperson and Vegetarian

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