THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF A CATEGORY I JUNIOR HANDBALL TEAM IN TRAINING

Introduction. Youth is the optimal period for healthy physical exercise, as well as performance sports. One achieves harmonious physical and mental development through these means. Nevertheless, the conditions of modern life, with its numerous temptations and food industry novelties, as well as the change in traditional eating frequency and habits are responsible for nutritional deficiencies or excess of potentially anti-nutritional substances. Since the speciality literature on this topic has only been studied to a small extent, we have considered evaluating the nutritional status of professional athletes. Objectives. The main objective of this research has been to investigate the nutritional status and its consequences, in the case of professional handball players (junior I team – males). Methods. While investigating the nutritional status, we have used standard protocol, involving several components: eating intervals (generating data that pertain to food behaviour and preferences), analysis of food intake (this uses data provided by the food inquiry and the structure of the food rations), anthropometry and biochemical analyses. Results. Based on anthropometrical measurements, we have found that the lot is homogenous, with excess adipose tissue comparable to the upper limit of normality. Within the handball team, following detailed research, we have discovered that there are eight harmoniously developed players, and seven disharmonious ones, a diagnostic set by using BMI, excess adipose tissue and active muscle mass. With regard to biochemical analyses, the lot is considered to be within normal parameters, given the tests performed. Conclusions. Within the handball team, eight players are harmoniously developed, while seven are disharmonious. The average value of biochemical parameters is normal. The average value of the total caloric intake of handball players during training period is 4330.14 ± 340.69 kcal/day. The synthesis of the food rations structure of the handball team is: protein participation 13.46%, fat 34.30% and carbohydrates 52.24%. Fats of vegetable origin account for 50.11%, while animal ones stand at 49.89, i.e. below recommended levels. Evaluarea stării de nutriție la lotul de handbal categoria juniori I în perioada de antrenament. Introducere. Tinerețea este perioada optimă pentru mișcare fizică sănătoasă, chiar sport de performanță. Este o modalitate prin care se obține o dezvoltare armonioasă, fizică și psihică. Dar condițiile vieț