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Cited by 2Nutrition, Health and Food BehaviorObesity, Physical Activity, DietHealth and Lifestyle Studies

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 42 of the 42 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Nutritional Habits, Body Composition, and Sports Performance in Adolescent Swimmers—A Cross-Sectional Study

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Bielec, Grzegorz, Goździejewska, Anna Maria·2026·Applied Sciences
DOI 10.3390/app16157418
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Abstract

Background. A substantial body of scientific evidence indicates a close association between dietary habits, body composition, and athletic performance. Nevertheless, dietary inadequacies remain prevalent among athletes, including adolescents. The present study aimed to assess the body composition and dietary habits of participants in the Junior National Swimming Championships. Methods. The study included 39 female competitors (17.8 ± 0.2 years) and 88 male competitors (17.7 ± 0.4 years), all of whom provided informed consent to participate. Dietary habits were evaluated using a questionnaire developed in accordance with the principles of the Swiss Food Pyramid. Additionally, participants provided information regarding their training workload, including the number of weekly training sessions and the total distance swum during training. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Tanita BC-418 MA). Results. Male swimmers exhibited significantly different values across all body composition variables compared with female swimmers (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed in training workload between the groups. Regardless of sex, the majority of participants reported consuming at least three meals per day, as well as the recommended amounts of dairy products and fruit. In contrast, fish consumption was below the recommended level. Female swimmers consumed sweet snacks and fast food significantly less frequently than their male counterparts (p < 0.05), whereas male swimmers reported a higher frequency of pork product and sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage consumption (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Young competitive swimmers exhibit several nutritional inadequacies. Although their consumption of fruit and vegetables generally aligns with current dietary recommendations, fish intake remains insufficient. Female swimmers demonstrated more favourable dietary patterns than male swimmers. Accordingly, ongoing nutrition education should constitute an integral component of the athletic training process.

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42 of 42 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Cites

Research works printed but not linked: 10

  1. Schek, 2019, Fats in sports nutrition. Position of the working group sports nutrition of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), Ernahr. Umsch., 66, 181
  2. Soultanakis, 2006, Energy expenditure and food intake of competitive swimmers during training, Rev. Port. Ciencas Esporto, 6, 317
  3. Cuenca, 2017, Nutritional needs in the professional practice of swimming: A review, J. Exerc. Nutr. Biochem., 21, 1
  4. Hoogenboom, 2009, Nutritional knowledge and eating behaviors of female, collegiate swimmers, N. Am. J. Sports Phys. Ther., 4, 139
  5. Brzozowska, 2013, Assessment of nutritional habits in athletes practicing team sports in view of Swiss food pyramid recommendations, Probl. Hig. Epidemiol., 94, 280
  6. Gacek, 2018, Analysis of nutritional behaviors of males—Competitive and recreational volleyball players, Sport Tur., 1, 93
  7. 2012, Dietary behaviours of volleyball and basketball players, Rocz. Państw. Zakładu Hig., 63, 483
  8. Kelly, 2012, Validity and reliability of body composition analysis using the Tanita BC418-MA, J. Exerc. Physiol. Online, 15, 74
  9. Hassapidou, 2002, Nutrient intake and anthropometric characteristics of adolescent Greek swimmers, Nutr. Diet., 59, 38
  10. Sanjaykumar, 2025, The role of nutrition in athletic performance: A systematic review of eating behavior and dietary intake patterns, J. Appl. Mov. Sport Sci., 1, 25

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Metadata

Authors
Bielec, G., & Goździejewska, A. M.
Affiliations
  • Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport (PL)
  • University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (PL)
Corresponding author
Bielec, Grzegorz
ORCID
Venue
Applied Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2026-07-24
Volume
16
Issue
15
Pages
7418
ISSN
2076-3417 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/app16157418
OpenAlex
W7170963208
Cited by
2
References
42
Citations by year
2026: 2
FWCI
6.60
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Applied Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Nutrition, Health and Food Behavior
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Health and Lifestyle Studies
Keywords
adolescent swimmers, dietary habits, body composition, athletic performance, sex differences, fish consumption, fast food consumption, training load, nutrition education, competitive athletes

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