Human Nutrition

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Browsing Human Nutrition by browse.metadata.advisor "Claassen, Amanda"

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    Current perceptions and usage practices of nutritional supplements
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-12) Strachan, Keri; Claassen, Amanda; Labuschagne, Irene; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Human Nutrition.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to investigate current perceived role of nutritional supplements in adolescent (16-18 years) male rugby players and establish usage practices within Kwazulu Natal (KZN) schools. Methods The nutritional supplementation practices of 68 rugby players from 7 KZN secondary schools were surveyed using an anonymous paper-based questionnaire. The boys were asked to identify from a list (with Other as a selection) which supplement they used, the frequency of use, sources of supplement information and advice they base their choices on, where products were bought from, reasons for use, average monthly spend on buying these supplements, whether dietary changes were made in conjunction with taking a supplement and what was their understanding of the role of supplementation in achieving their performance goals. Results Sixty eight out of 236 invited participants completed the questionnaire. This translated into a response rate of 29%. Fifty four percent of participants admitted to using nutritional supplements, protein and creatine being the most popular products listed (43% and 22% of supplement users, respectively). Thirty five percent of supplement users supplemented daily and 24% supplemented 3-4 times per week. Friends were the most popular source of advice and information regarding nutritional supplements 32% (n=12), with supplement company representatives the next most commonly used source 22% (n=8). Seventy percent (n=26) of supplements are bought from a pharmacy, with an average monthly cost of R250, but ranging from R30 to as much as R1500 per month. Seventy percent (n=26) indicated that they also made dietary changes in addition to taking the nutritional supplement. These dietary changes included making healthier food choices 81% (n=21), increasing intake of protein foods 65% (n=17), planned snacks around exercise 35% (n=9), increasing carbohydrate-rich foods 62% (n=16), increasing fruit and vegetable intake 50% (n=13), and including snacks between meals 35% (n=9). The study participants rated practice sessions and weight training as most important in terms of helping them achieve their goals; diet, rest and supplements were similarly ranked as being between fairly to very important. Twenty two percent admitted that they would consider taking an illegal supplement if it would assist them in achieving their goals. Conclusions This study indicates that at least half of rugby-playing school boys (age 16-18 yrs) are making use of some form of supplementation, with protein and creatine supplementation being the most popular. The data indicate that rugby-playing school boys see their peers as a good source of information, and are willing to spend a large amount of money obtaining it (about R250 per month on average). This is concerning as peer pressure combined with lack of knowledge on nutritional supplement usage (and nutrition) can lead to widespread misuse of supplements, and potential detrimental side-effects in this young study population. However it highlights the value that school-level educational programmes (age and sport specific) can have in improving supplement usage practices and creating sound nutritional practices amongst this population, better equipping them at making informed decisions. In addition, educational programmes should be extended to other influential sources of information such as school coaches, teachers and parents.
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    The nutritional profile of high-performance junior soccer players in Western Cape, South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Hoosen, Fatima; Claassen, Amanda; Potgieter, Sunita; Nel, Daniel; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Human Nutrition.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Very little data exists regarding the nutritional status of adolescent soccer players and there is no national data regarding this population. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary intake and anthropometric profile of N=39 male, high-performance, adolescent soccer players who are of mixed race (14 -18 years of age), during the competitive season. Methods: The study design was a descriptive, observational study with an analytical component. A quantified food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ), which has been validated for athletes, was used to characterise their nutritional intake in terms of energy (kCal), macronutrient as well as micronutrient intake. Interpretation of anthropometric data included plotting and interpreting growth indicators such as height-for-age, body mass index (BMI)-for-age, tricep skinfold-for-age, subscapular skinfold-for-age, sum of skinfolds-for-age, arm muscle area (AMA)–for-age, arm muscle circumference (AMC)-for-age, arm fat area (AFA)-for-age and percentage body fat. Results: The anthropometric data showed that most of the players had an adequate height-for-age (100%, N=39) and BMI-for-age (87.2%, N=34). The mean percentage body fat was 10.9±3.5%. The majority of players’ skinfold thickness measurements were above the 85th percentile for triceps (56.4%, N=22), subscapular (59.0%, N=23) as well as the sum of two skinfolds (triceps and subscapular), (72.0%, N=28), AMA (82.1%, N=32), AMC (56.4%, N=22) and AFA (56.4%, N=22). Daily minimum and maximum mean energy expenditure was between 3146.9±213.4 and 3686.4±250.0 kcal while daily mean energy intake was 4374.0±1462.4 kcal. Protein (156±53 g/day), carbohydrate (CHO) (557±172 g/day), total fat (149±67.8 g/day) and cholesterol (546±230 mg/day) intake were all above levels recommended for athletes. The mean micronutrient intake met the estimated average requirement (EAR) or adequate intake (AI) for all nutrients. Players who were more physically active displayed more favourable anthropometric indices which included body weight, BMI, body fat indices as well as muscle mass indices, despite having a greater total energy intake (TEI). This difference did however not reach statistical significance. Supper was the most regularly consumed meal (97.4%, N=38). The majority of players (61.5%, N=24) ate breakfast daily with only 5.1% (N=2) who never ate breakfast. However, 20.5% (N=8) of the players only ate breakfast 3 days a week. Conclusion: Although most of the players had a normal body weight and BMI, they were predominantly categorised as above average according to indices of body fat. Body muscle indices was categorised as above average for most players suggesting a beneficial finding in terms of sporting performance. The mean TEI, CHO, protein intake and fat intake were all above the recommended levels for athletes. The mean intake of all vitamins and minerals met the EAR/AI. Players who were more physically active displayed more favourable anthropometric indices, despite having a higher TEI. Although this study population exhibited no evidence of stunting, indicating that the players were well nourished (in terms of sufficient macronutrients and micronutrients), they are at risk of being over-nourished which may negatively impact sporting performance as well as overall health.