Relationship of Sport Competitive Level on Dietary Intake, Body Composition and Somatotype between Elite and Amateur Female Volleyballers

The aim of this study was to compare the energy, macronutrients and body composition of Elite (EFVPs) and Amateur (AFVPs) Female Volleyballers and to analyze their dietetic-nutritional intakes and habits with those recommended for athletes. Twelve EFVPs and twelve AFVPs were considered for this study. A protocol from the International Society of Advancement of Kinanthropometry was followed to record anthropometric data. To calculate the nutritional intake and the size of food servings, the participants were asked to keep a daily diet for seven consecutive days. Statistically (P<0.05), the EFVPs were older (26 ± 4 years vs. 21 ± 4 years), taller (178 cm ± 9 cm vs. 166 cm ± 4 cm), heavier (69.4 kg ± 8.7 kg vs. 57.3 kg ± 6.5 kg) and had a greater muscle mass (30.0 kg ± 2.5 kg vs. 25.7 ± 2.0 kg) than the AFVPs. However, no significant differences between groups were described in somatotype (P>0.05). The EFVPs consumed more (P<0.05) calories (2,854 kcal ± 279 kcal vs. 2,173 kcal ± 179 kcal), proteins (141 g ± 20 g vs. 106 g ± 16 g), fat (114 g ± 20 g vs. 91 g ± 8 g) and carbohydrates (303 g ± 37 g vs. 208 g ± 21 g) than the AFVPs. Additionally, the results indicated that all the volleyballers had an inadequate diet and food intake in terms of both quantity and quality. These findings suggest that higher height and muscle mass offers an advantage for be professional players than dietary evidences and habits related to a higher intake of energy and macronutrients in case of amateur players. Nevertheless, this contradictory data between the two levels of volleyballers indicates an inadequate diet and food intake in terms of both quantity and quality regarding the nutritional recommendations for athletes.