Valoració nutricional dels hàbits alimentaris en joves esgrimistes de competició.

Introduction and objectives:Although the nutritionalrequirements and somatic profile of the elite fencer havebeen described, this information is lacking in young fencers.The aim of the present study was two-fold: firstly, to des-cribe the kinanthropometric profile of a group of youngcompetitive fencers and, secondly, to assess their nutritio-nal habits.Methodology:The present observational, descriptivestudy classified the variables analyzed into two categories:a)nutritional assessment (24 h recording): total energy,carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fiber, cholesterol, dietarywater content, vitamins and minerals; b)kinanthropometricassessment: height, weight, somatotype, and body compo-sition.Results:Total energy intake was above recommended le-vels in 26.3% of the group and below these levels in 57.9%.Carbohydrate intake was lower than recommended, whe-reas protein and lipid intake was higher. Intake of mo-nounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats was below recom-mended levels in 89.5% and 63.2% of young fencers,respectively. Saturated fat intake was higher than recom-mended intake in 89.5% of the fencers. Fiber consumptionwas deficient in 52.6% of the fencers. In contrast, choles-terol intake was higher than recommended consumptionin 73.7%. Vitamin intake was in line with recommended le-vels but intake of some minerals was deficient. Both sexeswere remarkably heterogeneous in somatic profile. Conclusions:Nutritional habits in most of the young fen-cers analyzed were unsuitable both to maintain a state ofhealth and to practice sport. These habits should be co-rrected through proper education and nutritional follow-upwith further interventions to optimize sports performance.The kinanthropometric assessment confirms these results.