Análise do consumo alimentar e do balanço nitrogenado de atletas corredores de rua em Cuité-PB.

Abstract

Street racing is a sporting category whose practice has expanded more and more among people. This modality is increasing significantly due to many positive factors, such as providing several health benefits, ease of access and low cost. This exercise has aerobic characteristics, however, at times there is activation of the anaerobic system, requiring rapid and higher intensity explosive physical efforts. Thus, adequate food intake becomes essential to bring about improvements in the athlete's performance and health. Thus, the study proposed to evaluate the dietary intake of street runner athletes in the city of Cuité-PB, in order to know the dietary and nutritional profile. In addition, nitrogen balance was analyzed by 24-hour urine measurement. The study sample consisted of 9 athletes, aged between 27 and 53 years. Information on anthropometry indicated that the mean weight, height and fat percentage were 63.8 ± 4.90 kg, 167cm ± 4.90cm and 12.44% ± 4.15%, respectively. The data analysis shows that the consumption of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and lipids) is adequate compared to the literature, while the average consumption of micronutrients: calcium, magnesium and vitamin B6 is below the recommendations. Nitrogen balance was negative despite adequate protein intake and could therefore be linked to factors such as protein quality, meal dose and distribution, or exercise intensity. Thus, the importance of the professional nutritionist to provide follow-up and individualized eating plan to adapt the eating habits in order to meet the requirements and offer the best strategy for the sport, thus improving sports performance.