EVALUATION OF MACRO NUTRIENT INTAKE OF NATIONAL FEMALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS AGED 10-18 YEARS.

The purpose of this study was to assess the Macronutrient intake of NationalFemale volleyball players. The players were provided with questionnaire to fill the general Information and 24-hour dietary recall. Anthropometric measurements include height and weight and BMI was calculated.Questionnaire method was adopted to collect the data. 24 dietary recall was employed to assess the macronutrient intake. Nutrient intake analysis did not include supplements. The results revealed that 31.2 % of the total players fall in ?underweight? Category. Only 7 % and 3.1 % Players fall under Overweight and Obese category respectively. The Nutrient adequacy ratio of all the nutrients among each age group (10-12 yrs, 13-15 yrs and 16-18 yrs) is less than the required. The Intake of Carbohydrateand Protein is also less. Analyzing the BMI and Dietary Intake it was concluded that 31 % of the players were underweight. On the other hand, the intake of Carbohydrate, Protein was very less as per the recommended dietary values for athletes. From the result it was concluded that the players have poor dietary intakes that place them at risk for nutritional shortages and compromised performance so they need professional counseling regarding nutrition practices for optimum health and performance.