engleski

ATHLETES' KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MICRONUTRIENTS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of athletes about micronutrients which are often used as nutritional supplements. In total 156 athletes fulfilled questionnaires with statements directly connected with the knowledge about vitamins and minerals. Despite the fact that more than 50% of athletes use vitamins regularly, it seems that athletes do not have sufficient knowledge about micronutrients. The nutrition of athletes has been of interest to scientists for decades. Today there are scientific proofs that an adequate dietary habits influences in a large extent an athlete's health, body composition, and energetic pathways during the activity as well as during the competition or recovery. Athletes should be well informed about the food groups, caloric intake, and daily meal schedule. Micronutrients are very important part of nutrition. Vitamins and minerals are important for many vital functions and specially for energetic pathways. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the knowledge of athletes about these supplements. For that purpose a questionnaire with 13 questions directly connected with the knowledge about vitamins and minerals was used on a sample of 156 athletes (86 males and 70 females) participating in different sports. Mean age was 23.6±2.3 years. Survey was anonymous and the data obtained were analyzed by statistical software STATISTICA for WINDOWS. The athletes in our investigation do not differ from the athletes in different investigations all over the world. 52.2 % of them are taking vitamins as supplements (more female athletes 63 : 43%) once or twice a week. Minerals are just a little less in use (46.4%, men 47 : women 43%). Despite these rather great percentages when it comes to reasons for taking micronutrients, it seems that athletes do not have sufficient knowledge about micronutrients. It is interesting that only 37% of athletes know that vitamins and minerals are not sources of energy for muscle work. Only 49% of athletes know that vitamin C is helping the absorption of Fe from food and 60% of them think that the main source for Fe is spinach. It is surprising that even 87% think how vitamin C can prevent cold.

micronutrients ; athletes ; knowledge

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