Nutritional status and dietary habits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and their relationship with sports performance: A cross-sectional study in Namibe, Angola
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i5.51115Keywords:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sports Nutrition, Eating Habits, Body Composition, Sports Performance, Angola.Abstract
Context: Nutrition is one of the pillars of sports performance in combat disciplines, but research on African Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes remains scarce. Objective: To present a study on the assessment of eating habits, nutritional status and their relationship with the sporting performance of adult BJJ practitioners at Academia Z1 Namibe, Angola. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out with 34 adult BJJ practitioners (25 men and 9 women; 18-47 years old), selected by convenience sampling from a population of 42 athletes. A validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), anthropometric assessment using the ISAK protocol (weight, height, body circumferences and skinfolds) and sports performance recording were applied. Results: The majority of participants were male (73.5%) and aged between 28-37 years (44.1%). The consumption of cereals and pasta was high (52.9% consumed 5-7 times a week), while only 17.6% ate fruit daily and 20.6% vegetables daily. Anthropometric data revealed an average weight of 75.3 ± 8.2 kg, height of 172.5 ± 7.1 cm and moderate skinfold values, compatible with good physical condition. The majority trained 3-4 times a week (47.1%), with sessions lasting 61-90 minutes (52.9%); 64.7% participated in competitions and 64.6% won medals. Conclusion: BJJ practitioners from Namibe have adequate body composition and good competitive performance, but show suboptimal intake of micronutrients, particularly fruits and vegetables. Targeted nutritional interventions and nutritional education programs are necessary to optimize the health and performance of these athletes.
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