Micronutrient Status of Male & Female Players Engaged in Different Sports Disciplines – Nande et al 1 Micronutrient Status of Male & Female Players Engaged in Different Sports Disciplines

The present study was undertaken to assess micronutrient status of female & male players engaged in different sports disciplines. For this purpose, university & / state level players aged 19 – 22 years were selected. Total 13 females & 46 males were chosen. 24 hour‟s dietary recall method was used to collect information on food habits, meal timings & dietary pattern of subjects. Biochemical parameters such as hemoglobin %, blood pressure & pulse rate were examined. The results revealed that irrespective of sex & sports, mean intakes of thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, calcium & phosphorus were found to be less than their respective recommended dietary allowances (RDAS). In contrast, mean daily intakes of carotene & vitamin c among players were found to be significantly exceeding the rdas (p<0.01). Players met only 50 % of their requirements for iron. Poor micro nutrient intake could possibly be attributed to the skipping of meals & training & college schedule of players. Mean hemoglobin % of majority groups of players were found to be exceeding the cut off level given by world health organization (who). Systolic blood pressure & diastolic blood pressure values were recorded to be closer to the normal values. Majority of groups of players showed mean pulse rate insignificantly above the normal value of 70 beats / minute (p>0.05)