Research article - (2021)20, 413 - 420
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2021.413
Dietary Intake and Daily Distribution of Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat in Youth Tennis Players over a 7-Day Training and Competition Period
James A. Fleming1,2,, Ciarán Ó Catháin3, Liam D. Harper1, Robert J. Naughton1
1School of Human and Health Sciences, The University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, England
2Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St Mary’s University, London, England
3Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Athlone Institute of Technology, Athlone, Ireland

James A. Fleming
✉ Programme Director MSc Applied Sports Nutrition/BSc Sport & Exercise Nutrition, St Mary’s University London
Email: james.fleming@stmarys.ac.uk
Received: 05-12-2020 -- Accepted: 06-05-2021
Published (online): 17-05-2021

ABSTRACT

During a 7-day training and/or competition period, macronutrient intake and distribution was assessed using food diaries, supported by remote food photography and 24-hr multiple pass recalls of youth tennis players categorised by under 12s, under 14s and under 16+ age groups (n = 27). Total energy did not differ between age groups nor type of day (training [TD], competition day [CD]), irrespective of a significant increase in body mass reported in the older players (U16+; p < 0.05). Average intakes were consistently below 2250 kcal·day-1 (range 1965 ± 317–2232 ± 612 kcal·day-1). Carbohydrate consumption was below guidelines for all groups (≤6g·kg-1). Conversely, protein intake met or exceeded guidelines throughout, with intakes ≥2 g·kg-1 for both the U12 and U14 age groups on both days. Protein intake was ~17% higher on TDs than CDs (p < 0.05), with protein intake at lunch significantly higher on TDs than CDs (p < 0.05). No further differences were observed between breakfast, lunch or dinner between group or day. Inconsistent snacking was reported, with players consuming snacks on less than half of the days reported (46 ± 12% of TDs and 43 ± 30% of CDs). In conclusion, youth tennis players present sub-optimal nutrition practices, appearing to under fuel and under consume carbohydrate for performance, adaptation, recovery and health.

Key words: Tennis, nutrition, energy, carbohydrate, protein

Key Points
  • Competitive youth tennis players seem to under fuel and under consume carbohydrates for training and competition.
  • Sub-optimal nutritional choices are evident, with no indication of nutrition planning to optimise performance, adaptation, recovery and health.
  • Nutritional support is deemed necessary for this sporting population.








Back
|
Full Text
|
PDF
|
Share