Avaliação do consumo de macronutrientes por atletas de corrida de rua em João Pessoa

Abstract

The routine practice of physical activity brings numerous health benefits and is one of the main factors associated with improving quality of life and preventing chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Therefore, street running emerges as an alternative for those seeking an easy-to-exercise and low-cost sport. In this perspective, consuming an adequate diet is essential for the good performance of street runners, considering that all macronutrients play a fundamental role in energy replacement and muscle recovery, ensuring greater safety for the practitioner. The present study aimed to evaluate the consumption of macronutrients by street runners in the city of João Pessoa - PB. The sample consisted of 51 runners of both sexes. Two 24-hour food recalls were applied to obtain information on the participants' food consumption. The analysis showed that the runners are mostly women, with an average age of 33 years and with an education level above high school in 74.51%. The daily carbohydrate intake of this group was 3.19g per kg of body weight, 3.05g/kg for men and 3.33g/kg for women; approximately 98% of the individuals studied had a daily intake lower than that recommended for those who perform this type of activity. Furthermore, it was possible to observe the preference given to the consumption of protein sources, whose average intake was 1.56g/kg for men and 1.46g/kg for women, reaffirming this practice as quite common among those who practice physical activity, mainly due to the importance attributed to protein in the processes of gaining strength and muscle mass. The study proposes that continuous education on adequate carbohydrate intake, associated with nutritional monitoring, is essential to optimize sports performance and preserve the health of street runners.