Dietary patterns and body composition of adolescent handball players in Brazil: a chemometric approach
Abstract
This study assessed the body composition and dietary intake of 16 professional handball players from the Associação Caçadorense de Handball. Anthropometric data and dietary intake were analyzed. Statistical methods included a one-sample t-test and chemometric analyses, such as PCA and Pearson correlations. The athletes’ caloric intake (2,192 kcal/day) met energy demands, but carbohydrate (245.90 g/day) and protein (120.09 g/day) intake exceeded recommendations. Water intake (1.67 L/day) was below the recommended 3.3 L/day, potentially affecting hydration. Deficiencies were found in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins D, B6, and E, while iron, zinc, and vitamin C were adequate. Fiber (35.38 g/day) and potassium (2.99 g/day) were insufficient. Skinfold analysis showed an average body fat percentage of 11.22%, considered healthy, but with visceral fat accumulation in the subscapular (12.25 mm) and abdominal (13.92 mm) regions. Suprailiac (10.50 mm) and thigh (15.67 mm) measurements suggested fat distribution patterns relevant to performance. Chemometric analyses revealed a negative correlation between BMI and protein intake (p = 0.018; R = -0.60) and positive correlations between fiber and zinc (p=0.016; R = 0.28), calcium and iron (p=0.03; R = 0.54), and calcium and magnesium (p=0.01; R = 0.65). Although caloric intake and body composition were adequate, micronutrient deficiencies and visceral fat accumulation highlight the need for dietary adjustments. Increasing water and fiber intake is crucial for optimizing health, performance, and recovery. This study provides valuable insights for sports nutrition and fitness professionals.
References
-Amawi, A.; Alkasasbeh, W.; Jaradat, M.; Almasri, A.; Alobaidi, S.; Hammad, A. A.; Bishtawi, T.; Fataftah, B.; Turk, N.; Saoud, H. A.; Jarrar, A.; Ghazzawi, H. Athletes’ nutritional demands: a narrative review of nutritional requirements. Frontiers in Nutrition. Vol. 10. 2024. p. 1331854.
-Aouichaoui, C.; Krichen, S.; Tounsi, M.; Ammar, A.; Tabka, O.; Chatti, S.; Zaouali, M.; Zouch, M.; Trabelsi, Y. Reference Values of Physical Performance in Handball Players Aged 13–19 Years: Taking into Account Their Biological Maturity. Clinics and Practice. Vol. 14. Num. 1. 2024. p. 305-326.
-Armstrong, L. E. Rehydration during Endurance Exercise: Challenges, Research, Options, Methods. Nutrients. Vol. 13. Num. 3. 2021. p. 887.
-Arnaoutis, G.; Alepoudea, M.; Tambalis, K. D.; Sidossis, L. S. Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Nutritional Knowledge of Elite Handball Players. Nutrients. Vol. 16. Num. 16. 2024. p. 2773.
-Bilge, M. Game Analysis of Olympic, World and European Championships in Men’s Handball. Journal of Human Kinetics. Vol. 35. 2012. p. 109-118.
-Bosco, P.D.; Silva, C.A.; Moro, A.C.L.; Adami, E.R.; Vanz Borges, C.; Pinheiro, D.F. Aspectos alimentares e nutricionais das futebolistas profissionais de time feminino do município de Caçador-SC. Revista Brasileira de Nutriçao Esportiva. Vol. 18. Num. 111. 2024. p. 419-431.
-Capra, M.E.; Stanyevic, B.; Giudice, A.; Monopoli, D.; Decarolis, N.M.; Esposito, S.; Biasucci, G. Nutrition for Children and Adolescents Who Practice Sport: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. Vol. 16. Num. 16. 2024. p. 2803.
-Ciosek, Ż.; Kot, K.; Kosik-Bogacka, D.; Łanocha-Arendarczyk, N.; Rotter, I. The Effects of Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Fluoride, and Lead on Bone Tissue. Biomolecules. Vol. 11. Num. 4. 2021. p. 506.
-Desbrow, B. Youth Athlete Development and Nutrition. Sports Medicine. Vol. 51. n. Suppl 1. 2021. p. 3-12.
-Ermidis, G.; Ellegard, R.C.; Rago, V.; Randers, M.B.; Krustrup, P.; Larsen, M.N. Exercise Intensity and Technical Involvement in U9 Team Handball: Effect of Game Format. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Vol. 18. Num. 11. 2021. 2021. p. 5663.
-Fiorentini, D.; Cappadone, C.; Farruggia, G.; Prata, C. Magnesium: Biochemistry, Nutrition, Detection, and Social Impact of Diseases Linked to Its Deficiency. Nutrients. Vol. 13. Num. 4. 2021. p. 1136.
-García-Sánchez, C.; Navarro, R. M.; Karcher, C.; De La Rubia, A. Physical Demands during Official Competitions in Elite Handball: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Vol. 20. Num. 4. 2023. p. 3353.
-Ghazzawi, H.A.; Hussain, M.A.; Raziq, K.M.; Alsendi, K.K.; Alaamer, R.O.; Jaradat, M.; Alobaidi, S.; Al Aqili, R.; Trabelsi, K.; Jahrami, H. Exploring the Relationship between Micronutrients and Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Scientific Systematic Review of the Literature in Sports Medicine. Sports. Vol. 11. Num. 6. 2023. p. 109.
-González-Torres, S.; Anaya-Esparza, L.M.; Trigueros Del Valle, G.F.; Rivera-León, E.A.; Villagrán, Z.; Sánchez-Enríquez, S. Skinfold Thickness as a Cardiometabolic Risk Predictor in Sedentary and Active Adult Populations. Journal of Personalized Medicine. Vol. 13. Num. 9. 2023. p. 1326.
-Hadžić, E.; Starcevic, A.; Rupčić, T.; Zucko, J.; Čvrljak, T.; Renko, I.; Knjaz, D.; Novak, D. Effects of Soluble Dietary Fibre on Exercise Performance and Perception of Fatigue in Young Basketball Players. Food Technology and Biotechnology. Vol. 61. Num. 3. 2023. p. 389-401.
-Hulland, S.C.; Trakman, G.L.; Alcock, R.D. Adolescent Athletes Have Better General than Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Lack Awareness of Supplement Recommendations: A Systematic Literature Review. The British Journal of Nutrition. Vol. 131. Num. 8. 2024. p. 1362-1376.
-Judge, L.W.; Bellar, D.M.; Popp, J.K.; Craig, B.W.; Schoeff, M.A.; Hoover, D.L.; Fox, B.; Kistler, B.M.; Al-Nawaiseh, A.M. Hydration to Maximize Performance and Recovery: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Among Collegiate Track and Field Throwers. Journal of Human Kinetics. Vol. 79. 2021. p. 111-122.
-Kaufman, M.; Nguyen, C.; Shetty, M.; Oppezzo, M.; Barrack, M.; Fredericson, M. Popular Dietary Trends’ Impact on Athletic Performance: A Critical Analysis Review. Nutrients. Vol. 15. Num. 16. 2023. p. 3511.
-Mâncio, R.D.; Hermes, T. De A.; Macedo, A.B.; Mizobuti, D.S.; Valduga, A.H.; Rupcic, I.F.; Minatel, E. Vitamin E treatment decreases muscle injury in mdx mice. Nutrition. Vol. 43–44. 2017. p. 39-46.
-Martín-Rodríguez, A.; Belinchón-Demiguel, P.; Rubio-Zarapuz, A.; Tornero-Aguilera, J. F.; Martínez-Guardado, I.; Villanueva-Tobaldo, C. V.; Clemente-Suárez, V. J. Advances in Understanding the Interplay between Dietary Practices, Body Composition, and Sports Performance in Athletes. Nutrients. Vol. 16. Num. 4. 2024. p. 571.
-Mendes, M.M.; Botelho, P.B.; Ribeiro, H. Vitamin D and musculoskeletal health: outstanding aspects to be considered in the light of current evidence. Endocrine Connections. Vol. 11. Num. 10. 2022. p. e210596.
-Papadopoulou, S.K.; Mantzorou, M.; Kondyli-Sarika, F.; Alexandropoulou, I.; Papathanasiou, J.; Voulgaridou, G.; Nikolaidis, P. T. The Key Role of Nutritional Elements on Sport Rehabilitation and the Effects of Nutrients Intake. Sports. Vol. 10. Num. 6. 2022. p. 84.
-Petri, C.; Campa, F.; Holway, F.; Pengue, L.; Arrones, L. S. ISAK-Based Anthropometric Standards for Elite Male and Female Soccer Players. Sports. Vol. 12. Num. 3. 2024. p. 69.
-Purcell, L.K. Sport nutrition for young athletes. Paediatrics & Child Health. Vol. 18. Num. 4. 2013. p. 200-202.
-Sale, C.; Elliott-Sale, K.J. Nutrition and Athlete Bone Health. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.z.).Vol. 49. Num. Suppl 2. 2019. p. 139-151.
-Silventoinen, K.; Maia, J.; Li, W.; Sund, R.; Gouveia, É.R.; Antunes, A.; Marques, G.; Thomis, M.; Jelenkovic, A.; Kaprio, J.; Freitas, D. Genetic Regulation of Body Size and Morphology in Children: A Twin Study of 22 Anthropometric Traits. International Journal of Obesity. Vol. 47. Num. 3. 2023. p. 181-189.
-Soliman, A.T.; Alaaraj, N.; Noor Hamed; Alyafei, F.; Ahmed, S.; Shaat, M.; Itani, M.; Elalaily, R.; Soliman, N. Review Nutritional Interventions during Adolescence and Their Possible Effects. Acta Bio-Medica: Atenei Parmensis. Vol. 93. Num. 1. 2022. p. e2022087.
-Tardy, A.-L.; Pouteau, E.; Marquez, D.; Yilmaz, C.; Scholey, A. Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence. Nutrients. Vol. 12. Num. 1. 2020. p. 228.
-Turnagöl, H.H.; Koşar, Ş.N.; Güzel, Y.; Aktitiz, S.; Atakan, M. M. Nutritional Considerations for Injury Prevention and Recovery in Combat Sports. Nutrients. Vol. 14. Num. 1. 2021. p. 531.
Copyright (c) 2025 Claudio André Tortato de Morais, Gabriel de Bertoli Tibes da Luz, Ana Claudia Lunelli Moro, Fernando Straparava Raia, Débora Fernandes Pinheiro
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish in this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain the copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication, with work simultaneously licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License BY-NC which allows the sharing of the work with acknowledgment of the authorship of the work and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are authorized to enter into additional contracts separately for non-exclusive distribution of the version of the work published in this journal (eg, publishing in institutional repository or book chapter), with acknowledgment of authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are allowed and encouraged to post and distribute their work online (eg, in institutional repositories or on their personal page) at any point before or during the editorial process, as this can bring about productive change as well as increase impact and impact. citation of published work (See The Effect of Free Access).
