Dietary Intake and Body Composition of Greek Adolescent Wrestlers During Preseason

ABSTRACT The nutritional adequacy of adolescent wrestlers’ diet during preseason was examined. Twelve male adolescent wrestlers at the competitive level, aged from 14 to 17, participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, and four skinfold measurements (tricep, bicep, subscapular, and suprailiac). A 4-day food diary was also recorded for each athlete, including at least one weekend day. Wrestlers’ mean body fat percentage was 20.5%. Nutritional intake consisted of 17.8% protein, 44.9% carbohydrates, 36.9% fats, and 0.4% alcohol. Protein and carbohydrate intake per kilogram of body mass was 1.6 and 4.1 g/kg, respectively. Correlations were found between dietary intake and anthropometric measurements where carbohydrate intake was negatively and fat intake positively correlated with triceps, biceps, and suprailiac skinfold measurements. Wrestlers of this study had higher body-fat values than elite wrestlers and higher-than-recommended fat intake. Protein intake was adequate for this sport; however, carbohydrate intake did not meet the recommended daily values. Two out of the 12 of wrestlers were using dietary supplements, which were protein and electrolyte powders. An educational program about nutrition would be necessary in order to improve body composition and nutritional intake of these athletes.