Wan Nudri WD1, Ismail MN2, Zawiah H2
1. Division of Human Nutrition, Institute for Medical Research, 50588 Kuala Lumpur
2. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
CITATION: Wan Nudri WD, Ismail MN, Zawiah H. Physical characteristics and dietary intake of Malaysian national basketball players. International Medical Research Journal. 1997 Jun;1(1):49–54.
ABSTRACT
A review of the literature indicated that no research has been conducted on the physical characteristics and dietary intake of Malaysian national basketball players. Information on physical characteristics and food intake of 11 male and 13 female Malaysian national basketball players were obtained during centralised training. Weight and height were measured using the SECA beam balance with height attachment. Skinfold thickness was measured using the Harpenden calipers at 4 sites (biceps, criceps, subscapular and suprailiac). The percentage of body fat was calculated from the sum of the 4 skin fold thickness measurements. Food intake was recorded as a mean of 3-days weighed food intake and the nutrient contents were calculated using a local food composition cable. Based on weight and height (BMI), most of the male subjects (82%) and all female subjects (100%) were classified as normal (BMI 20.0- 25.0). The percentage average body fat for male and female athletes were 14. I ±2.3% and 25.6 ± 4.7%, respectively. The mean daily energy intake for male subjects was 3671 ± 291 kcal or 81 % of Malaysian RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowances) adjusted for athletes. The mean percentage contribution of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrate were 16%, 27% and 57%, respectively. The mean daily intake of other nutrients namely protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C met or exceeded 100% RDAs, except for thiamine which was 1.68 ± 0.25 mg or 94% RDA. For female athletes, the mean daily energy intake was 2470 ±369 kcal or 86% of Malaysian RDA. The mean percentage contributions of energy from protein, fat and carbohydrate were 13%, 24% and 63%, respectively. The mean intake of iron was also lower than the RDA, that is 14.4 ± 3.0 mg or 50% RDA, while mean intake of other nutrients met or exceeded 100% RDA. The inadequacy of energy and thiamine intake by male subjects and energy and iron intake by female subjects indicates the need to pay serious attention in the meal preparation and planning for Malaysian national basketball players during centralised training.
KEYWORDS: Physical characteristics, dietary intake, basketball players
