Consumo proteico e balanço nitrogenado de atletas amadores do fisiculturismo em Cuité, Paraíba.

Abstract

The bodybuilding is a sport modality in which athletes seek the best performance through a combination of a high selective diet and strength training. For this, the protein is an important item in the diet, but it is not the only one to increase muscle mass. Above all, it is necessary to keep a positive balance nitrogen balance. This report examined the protein intake and nitrogen balance of bodybuilding athletes in the city of Cuité, PB. Structured questionnaires, 24-hour Dietary Recalls and performed anthropometric measurements were applied for data collection. The 24-hour urine processing for determining the urea and nitrogen balance calculation was also applied. The sample was extracted six bodybuilding amateur athletes, with average age of 22.83 ± 4.53 years (standard deviation ), weight 72.37 ± 14.34 kg, height 1.68 ± 0.10 meters and fat percentage of 11.81 ± 2.84%. Regarding the periodization, five athletes were in hypertrophy period (off -session) and one in definition period (pre-contest). They had an average power consumption of 4704.00 ± 2290.00 kcal/day and a high average protein intake (4.04 ± 1.21 g/kg/day), along with a low carbohydrate intake (46, 86 ± 5.94 g/kg/day). These analyzes were made in Avanutri®. The eating habits of the amateur bodybuilders showed a very high average protein intake and a low carbohydrate average consumption. Their nitrogen balance was positive. To assess the protein intake is also necessary to consider factors such as energy adequacy, sources, quality and timing of the proteins intake. The high protein consumption shows advantages when related to weight loss with lean mass preservation and the losses of this excessive protein intake for strength athletes and bodybuilders are not well established. Therefore, it is clear the importance of adequate and individual nutritional counseling for these athletes. In this perspective, it is understood that future studies are important to elucidate the actual protein recommendations for bodybuilders.