Nutri-K study: Evaluation of potassium intake and sport in young adults

Identifier:  imarina:9138817

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9138817

Authors:  Gabaldón, RPP; Peris, MG; Ferran, MR

Abstract:
© 2018 Sociedad espanola de dietetica. All rights reserved. Introduction: The practice of competitive sport requires adapting the diet to provide adequate amounts of calories, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Objective: This study describes the estimated consumption of potassium in different groups of federated athletes to detect possible deficiencies and design future recommendations. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a group of young adults practicing competitive sport (n = 34) and a control group (n = 15). Body composition, adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the intake of foods rich in potassium are studied. Results: All groups are within normal weight (22.95 +/-2.7 Body Mass Index) although basketball players have a size and weight significantly higher than the rest. No group ingests the recommended daily amounts of potassium and there is a significant difference between cyclists and control group (2402.53 +/- 1308.95 vs. 629.44 +/- 412.41 mg / day), also observed in terms of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (5.20 +/- 2.11 vs 7.91 +/- 2.91 points). There are significant differences in the % of fat and % of muscle calculated by the formula of Faulkner or Carter, however, there are only differences between % of fat among cyclists and control population (30% less fat in cyclists). Discussion: The young adults studied have a low intake of potassium, compared to the recommendation of World Health Organization. In addition, its adherence to the Mediterranean diet is also deficient. When these young people participate in federated sport, their percentage of fat is lower and both parameters (recommended potassium intake and adherence to the Mediterranean diet) seem to improve. Conclusion: Health education initiatives in relation to potassium consumption will be necessary to correct the deficient intake of young adults.