Nutritional Evaluation of Iranian Women's National Karate Team

Proper nutrition, especially essential energy and nutrients intake, is very important, particularly for women athletes. This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional status of Iranian national karate athletes.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 15 Iranian women karate athletes of the national team aged 14-18. The required data were collected using general information questionnaires, and food and 7-day activity diaries were also kept. The data were analyzed using Nutrition 4 and SPSS 22.

The average calorie intake was 2368 ± 540 and the daily energy intake was 2446 ± 354 kcal/day. The average carbohydrate, protein, and fat intake were within the recommended DRI values. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats accounted for 55.36, 14.52, and 30.11 percent of the total daily energy intake, respectively. Regarding the micronutrients, the average intake of vitamins D, E, pyridoxine, folate, calcium and magnesium was significantly lower and vitamins A, K, C, Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, cobalamin, Phosphorus, iron, zinc and copper were significantly higher than the recommended DRI values.

in terms of most of micronutrients, the nutritional status of karate athletes was different from standard values. The difference between the nutrient intake and the recommended doses may affect the athletes' physiological growth as well as their athletic function. Therefore, controlling and reviewing the athletes' diet seems essential. As a result, athletes need nutritional information (nutrition before, during, and after exercise) and the knowledge about different food groups.