Macro-Nutrient profile of national level table tennis athlete of India

Good health, growth and maturation depend mainly in a proper diet. It can have a significant effect in the ability of Table Tennis athletes to train and perform well during competition. Maintaining proper dietary habits plays an important role in establishing a healthy life style and will drive the Table Tennis athletes to better performance and also enhancing recovery. This purpose of the study was to assess the nutritional intake of table tennis athletes. The number of sample in this research was 13 table tennis athletes (8 men and 5 women). The research was started by filling out the questionnaire and about the athletes ’identity and food recall form. After that, the athletes were required to measure their height and weight. Mean weight of the males and females was 63.3±7.4 kg and 58.4±6.7 kg respectively. To find out the energy and nutrition intake quantitatively, the descriptive analysis was conducted. The results revealed that around 62.5% males and 60% of females were consuming low amount of carbohydrates. Frequency of high protein intake was higher in males (62.5%) and females (60%). A high percentage of both males (75% high and 25% very high) and females (80%) were found to consuming fats more than recommended amounts. In males total energy intake (3231±570 kcal), protein (2.3±0.5 gm./kg weight) and fat (35±4% of total energy intake) intake in were slightly higher than females (energy 2673± 407 kcal, protein 1.9±0.5 gm./kg weight, fat 32±5% of total energy intake) though, not statistically significant. Consuming a low carbohydrate diet along with high fat intake can affect the glycogen stores of the table tennis players as well as their body composition and health on the long run. Therefore, there is a need to change the dietary pattern and habits of the athletes to achieve maximum output from the training.