Aplicação das Dietary Reference Intakes na avaliação da ingestão de nutrientes para indivíduos

Exploring Diet and Nutrient Insufficiencies across Age Groups: Insights from a Population-Based Study of Brazilian Adults

Assessing dietary inadequacies can contribute to understanding the nutritional vulnerabilities of a country. This study aimed to investigate nutrient intakes and micronutrient inadequacies in the Brazilian adult population, with an interest in different age subgroups. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 1812 individuals aged 19 to 65 years from a population-based study with a representative sample of Brazilian adults. Dietary intake was assessed by two 24 h food recalls, and the probabilities of inadequate intake were estimated using the Dietary Reference Intake targets. Adequate macronutrient intake was over 99% for proteins, 84.7% for carbohydrates, and 80.7% for total fats. There was a high probability of inadequacy (above 90%) for vitamins D and E, but vitamin D inadequacy was very similar between the sexes. In contrast, vitamin E was more likely to be inadequately consumed among women. A high probability of inadequacies (above 85%) of calcium and magnesium were found in the population, regardless of age group. Except for iron, the probability of an inadequacy of other minerals increased with age. The results showed a relevant proportion of nutrient inadequacies, with those most at risk being women and older individuals, helping with the better targeting and monitoring of public-health policies that address nutritional problems in the population.

Development of a mobile application to represent food intake in inpatients: dietary data systematization

BACKGROUND

Nutritional risk situations related to decreased food intake in the hospital environment hinder nutritional care and increase malnutrition in hospitalized patients and are often associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study is to develop and test the reliability and data similarity of a mobile application as a virtual instrument to assess the acceptability and quality of hospital diets for inpatients.

METHODS

This intra- and interobserver development and reliability study investigated an in-hospital food intake monitoring application based on a validated instrument for patients with infectious diseases who were treated at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI/FIOCRUZ). The instrument was sequentially administered to patients 48 h after admission to INI hospital units using the printed instrument (paper) and the digital application (ARIETI) simultaneously. The tested reliability factor was the consistency of the method in the digital platform, checking whether the application provided equivalent data to the paper instrument, and finally, a statistical analysis plan was performed in the R platform version 4.2.0. This project was authorized by the FIOCRUZ/INI Research Ethics Committee.

RESULTS

The ARIETI was developed and tested for reliability in 70 participants, showing a similar ability to calculate caloric intake in Kcal, protein intake (g), the proportion of caloric intake and protein intake relative to the prescribed goal. These instrument comparison analyses showed statistical significance (p < 0.001). The application was superior to the paper-based instrument, accelerating the time to perform the nutritional risk diagnosis based on food intake by approximately 250 s (average time).

CONCLUSIONS

The ARIETI application has demonstrated equivalent reliability compared to the original instrument. Moreover, it optimized the time between the diagnosis of nutritional risk related to dietary intake and the nutritionist's decision making, showing an improved ability to maintain information quality compared to the paper-based instrument.

Serum IGF-I concentrations are low in female bodybuilders in the pre-contest phase

Bodybuilding involves athletes performing a series of poses/postures on the stage so that they can be classified according to their best esthetic and physical appearance during the competition. In the weeks prior to the target competition, the athletes subject themselves to restrictive diets and different physical training methods, as well as using dietary supplementation and, in some cases, anabolic steroids, to reduce body fat to low levels and maintain or increase muscle mass. On the other hand, it is known that physical training is a potent stimulator for releasing the components of the GH/IGF-I axis that are directly linked to the anabolic process. Based on these assumptions, this study aimed to verify the kinetics of IGF-I and of its binding protein IGFBP-3 in female bodybuilders. Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were recorded before and after standardized training sessions at two different times: in the initial phase (phase 1) and in the final phase of the pre-contest (phase 2) of a 12-week training season. It was possible to conclude that there was a significant reduction in serum IGF-I values at the end of the pre-contest phase that preceded the athletes' participation in a competition. With relation to the serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 values measured before and after the standardized training session, it was only possible to verify significant changes in the IGF-I values in the initial phase of the pre-contest. It seems reasonable to suggest that the caloric restriction used by bodybuilders may be related to the decrease in IGF-I values verified at the end of the pre-contest phase.

Food Intolerance 1 Year After Banded Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the food intolerance after banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), correlating the data of food ingestion. METHODS: This is an observational prospective study, which evaluated the individuals before and 3, 6, and 12 months after banded RYGB. We performed an anthropometric evaluation and an assessment of the habitual food ingestion and applied a food tolerance questionnaire. RESULTS: The study group was comprised of 75 individuals, 89% of them female, with a percentual weight loss of 29.73 ± 6.79%. The observed results were that food intolerance increased over time and 1 year after surgery, only 2.7% reported to ingest any type of food, while the greatest difficulty was related to red meat (80%). Regarding vomits, after surgery, this proportion significantly increased after 3, 6, and 12 months. Preoperatively, the mean protein ingestion was 98 g, which decreased to 50 g after 3 and 6 months and to 51 g after 12 months. As a conclusion, food intolerance significantly increased following banded RYGB, leading to a crescent dissatisfaction regarding food and an increase in the vomits frequency.

Correlation between nutritional assessment and oxidative stress in candidates for liver transplant

Objective

To evaluate the oxidative profile, nutritional status and food intake (caloric value; macronutrients; vitamins A, E and C; and zinc), and to correlate oxidative stress with nutritional status in patients who were candidates for liver transplant.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, analytical, and descriptive study with 51 candidates for liver transplant. Sociodemographic and clinical data, anthropometric parameters, food consumption, and a 10mL blood sample were collected from each patient. Oxidative stress was analyzed by the thiobarbituric acid method. The consumption of macronutrients, caloric value and micronutrients (zinc, vitamins A, E and C) were qualitatively analyzed, and zinc was also quantitatively analyzed.

Results

The mean age was 49.17±8.17 years. The highest percentage of malnutrition was according to arm muscle circumference (56.86%), followed by arm circumference (52.94%), triceps skin fold (50.98%), and body mass index (1.96%). The mean malondialdehyde level was 14.80±8.72μM/L, presenting a negative correlation with the body mass index for patients with liver cirrhosis according to IMC-Campillo values (p=0.001; r=-0.430). Low energy, carbohydrate, protein, vitamin A and E consumption were observed in more than 50% of subjects.

Conclusion

This study showed an association of nutritional status through body mass index for patients with liver cirrhosis according to IMC-Campillo, with oxidative stress in patients with liver cirrhosis on a liver transplant waiting list.

Quality of diet plans for weight loss featured in women's magazines. A cross-sectional descriptive study

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:

Brazil has the fifth largest population of obese individuals in the world. Women's magazines publish a large number of diet plans, and therefore the objective of this study was to assess the quality of these plans.

DESIGN:

Cross-sectional descriptive study.

METHODS:

We included the Brazilian women's magazines of highest circulation published between January and June 2014 that advertised diets for weight loss on their covers. We extracted the quantities of macro and micronutrients from each of these diet plans and compared these quantities with the World Health Organization nutritional guidelines for adult women. We also checked the total energy quantities of these plans, and any recommendations about water intake and physical activity.

RESULTS:

We identified 136 potentially eligible magazine issues; 41 were excluded and 95 issues of 6 different magazines were included in the study. We found that 83.1 % of the plans had carbohydrate and fiber levels below the recommendations. On the other hand, the protein and saturated fatty acid levels were above the recommendations in 97.8% and 95.7% of the plans, respectively; 75.7% of the diets had inadequate calcium levels and 70.5% had low iron levels. Only 30 plans specified the total daily quantity of dietary energy and in 53.3% of these, the information was inconsistent with our estimates; 20% of the plans had no recommendations on daily water intake and 37.5% did not give recommendations regarding physical activity practices.

CONCLUSION:

The diet plans for weight loss featured in Brazilian women's magazines are of low quality.

Serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and ALS concentrations and physical performance in young swimmers during a training season

INTRODUCTION

The GH/IGF-I axis is a system of growth mediators, receptors, and binding proteins that regulate somatic and tissue growth; and it has been shown that exercise programs are related to the anabolic function of this axis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyse the changes of serum IGF-I concentration and that of its binding proteins IGFBP-3 and ALS in adolescent swimmers at different stages of a training season, and compare them with physical performance parameters and body composition of the athletes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nine male athletes, aged 16 to 19years and who trained regularly throughout the season, were included in this study. Serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and ALS concentrations were recorded before and after (pre×post) standardized training sessions during the different stages of a training season (extensive×intensive×tapering). Endurance in freestyle, anaerobic fitness in tied swimming (Peak Force and Average Force), body mass, fat percentage, and lean body mass were also analysed at the different stages of training in order to compare the changes of the IGF-I/IGFBP/ALS system with the physical performance and body composition of the athletes. Variations in the IGF-I/IGFBP-3-ALS system before and after a standardized training session, and at the different stages of training were analysed by the Wilcoxon and Friedman non-parametric tests, respectively. Significance was considered at 5%.

RESULTS

The results from this study demonstrate that IGF-I is sensitive to the acute and chronic effects of training, exhibiting biphasic behaviour throughout the season. The catabolic phase was characterized by a reduction in serum IGF-I concentrations during the intensive stage (∆_IGF-I: - 43.33±47.32ng/ml; P<0.05) while the anabolic phase was marked by similar basal concentrations at the different stages of training and an increase in post-training serum IGF-I concentrations during the tapering stage (320±40; 298±36 and 359±94ng/ml; P<0.05). IGFBP-3 was only sensitive to the chronic effects of training, with a reduction in post-training serum concentrations during the intensive stage and an increase during the tapering stage (4.7±0.7, 4.6±0.4 and 5.0±0.7mg/l; P<0.05). No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in pre- or post-training IGFBP-3 concentrations (∆_IGFBP-3) at the different stages. ALS concentrations remained unchanged throughout the season, demonstrating that in adolescent athletes they are unaffected by the acute or chronic effects of swimming. Peak Force (25.0±6.3, 24.2±5.7 and 28.5±6.5N; P<0.05) and Average Force (10.3±3.6, 8.8±1.8 and 14.7±1.8N; P<0.05) followed IGF-I and IGFBP-3 variations, with a decrease during the intensive stage and a significant (P<0.05) increase during the tapering stage. The body composition and cardiorespiratory condition of the swimmers did not vary significantly throughout the season, exhibiting behaviour independent of IGF-I or IGFBP-3.

CONCLUSION

Serum IGF-I and IGFPB-3 concentrations have proven to be sensitive markers of training status and, thus, may be used as guides for coaches and athletes in the challenging task of modulating training intensity in young athletes.

Processed foods aimed at children and adolescents: sodium content, adequacy according to the dietary reference intakes and label compliance

OBJECTIVE: This study determined the sodium content of processed foods aimed at children and adolescents and the adequacy of its content in relation to the dietary reference intakes, and verified label compliance. METHODS: The sodium content of 17 food samples (instant noodles, breaded items, hamburger patties, hot dogs and bologna sausages) was determined by flame photometry and chloride titration, and the results were compared with nutritional data. The labels were checked for compliance with the pertinent laws. RESULTS: According to flame photometry and chloride titration, 13 and 5 products, respectively, had sodium contents that exceeded those reported on the nutrition facts label by more than 20%. All samples had more than 480mg of sodium per serving. The tolerable upper intake level for sodium for children aged 4-8 years was exceeded in 8 instant noodles and 3 breaded items according to flame photometry, and in 9 items according to chloride titration. Regarding the legislation, 5 products used a daily reference intake other than that provided by the legislation to report their percent sodium content per serving. Moreover, the serving sizes of 3 instant noodles, the terminology used in 1 instant noodles and the protein content of 1 breaded item were also not compliant with the legislation. CONCLUSION: The sodium contents in the study samples were high and there was no regard for the legislation.

Avaliação da adequação da ingestão de nutrientes na prática clínica

OBJETIVO: Para se avaliar a adequação da ingestão de nutrientes, é necessário determinar qual é a quantidade necessária para as funções normais do indivíduo, bem como a sua ingestão habitual. A necessidade de nutrientes varia de indivíduo para indivíduo, assumindo um coeficiente de variação de 10% a 15%. Além disso, a ingestão individual está sujeita à variação de consumo no dia a dia, conhecida como variabilidade intrapessoal. Considerando que as informações sobre a variação intrapessoal disponíveis na literatura são as da população norte-americana, este estudo tem dois objetivos: (1) disponibilizar valores de desvio-padrão intrapessoal de ingestão de nutrientes estimados em população brasileira, que possam ser aplicados no cálculo da adequação da ingestão de nutrientes; e (2) oferecer valores teóricos que apoiem a tomada de decisão, na prática clínica, quanto à adequação da ingestão de nutrientes selecionados por um indivíduo, calculados com base nos desvios-padrão encontrados e com três níveis de confiabilidade. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados de adolescentes, adultos e idosos que participaram do inquérito de saúde de base populacional no município de São Paulo (Inquérito de Saúde de São Paulo). Foram entrevistados 865 indivíduos, que responderam a um recordatório de 24 horas, replicados em uma subamostra de 294 sujeitos. Esses dados foram utilizados para o cálculo do desvio-padrão por meio de modelos de efeitos aleatórios. RESULTADOS: Os coeficientes estimados variaram de 40% para o zinco, a 127% para a vitamina C. CONCLUSÃO: Os desvios-padrão encontrados podem ser utilizados na avaliação quantitativa da adequação da ingestão de vitamina E, B6, tiamina, riboflavina, cálcio, magnésio, ferro, zinco, sódio, folato e niacina, propiciando mais um elemento formativo do diagnóstico do estado nutricional.

[Assessment of food consumption and nutrient intake in clinical practice]

The assessment of food consumption in clinical practice is often carried out to develop and implement nutritional advice. Factors as the patient health conditions, the evolution of his/her clinical condition as well as the reasons that motivated the search for advice will guide the selection of the best method of assessment of food consumption or nutrient intake to employ. The chosen method might drive the professional to offer a food plan that aims to promote health, to prevent illness, and to alter the nutritional state of the patient. Despite the easily available national literature on methods and techniques to estimate food consumption, it is not uncommon that professionals still have doubts about what methods are the most appropriated in daily practice. This study aimed to present a critical analysis, taking into account the clinical applicability, of the food assessment methods and its characteristics.

[Food consumption of children and adolescents living in an area of invasion in Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the food intake of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients related to growth and development in individuals under 16 years of age living in a consolidated invasion settlement in Maceió, Alagoas.

METHODS

The assessment of food intake was carried out by the 24-hour recall method, using a food picture album. Nutritional composition of diets was analysed using the Virtual Nutri-1.0 software. The estimated prevalence of inadequate intake was based on the Dietary Reference (DRIs), adjusted to account for intra-individual variability. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 11.5 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

5.6% of the subjects studied presented excessive energy intake and for 3.7% it was inadequate. The frequency of excessive energy intake was higher in the 1 to 3 year-old age group (p <0.05), which also showed higher rates of inadequate intake of vitamin A, vitamin E and zinc, and it was the only group in which average consumption of calcium was higher than the adequate intake.

CONCLUSION

Data show that dietary patterns of the individuals studied need adjustments.

Estimativa da ingestão de ferro e vitamina C em adolescentes no ciclo menstrual

Avaliou-se o nível de ingestão de ferro e vitamina C, em adolescente nas três fases do ciclo menstrual. O consumo alimentar de trinta adolescentes foi analisado pela técnica de registro, durante as fases pré-menstrual, menstrual e pós-menstrual, com a análise de dois registros por indivíduo, em cada fase. A prevalência da ingestão foi feita considerando seis registros alimentares de cada adolescente. Os padrões utilizados como referência foram as Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI)- Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) do Institute of Medicine (IOM), utilizando as abordagens probabilística e ponto de corte, para o ferro e vitamina C, respectivamente, além dos valores do Recommended Dietary Allowances (National Research Council). As adolescentes tinham 15,5 ± 1,7 anos, com idade da menarca de 11,8 ± 1,1 anos e ginecológica de 3,6 ± 1,9 anos. O consumo mediano de ferro foi 10,6 mg/dia e de vitamina C, 77,6 mg/dia. Observou-se pelas DRI-EAR uma prevalência de inadequação para ferro de 22,6% e de vitamina C 34% e pelo National Research Council, de 63,3% e 20%, respectivamente. Apesar da divergência entre os padrões, os resultados apontam risco nutricional para a população estudada. Sugere-se a realização de mais estudos dietéticos, utilizando as DRI-EAR, favorecendo diagnósticos nutricionais com subsequente medidas de intervenção.

Fluoride ingestion from food items and dentifrice in 2-6-year-old Brazilian children living in a fluoridated area using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride intake of 2-6-year-old Brazilian children using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) which also estimated fluoride intake from dentifrice.

METHODS

The FFQ was previously validated through application to 78 2-6-year-old Brazilian children and then administered to 379 children residing in an optimally fluoridated community in Brazil (Bauru, State of São Paulo). The FFQ was applied to the parents and used to estimate the food intake of the children. The constituents of the diet were divided into solids, water and other beverages. The fluoride content of the diet items was analyzed with the fluoride electrode. The questionnaire also estimated fluoride intake from dentifrice.

RESULTS

The average (+/-SD) fluoride intake from solids, water, other beverages and dentifrice was 0.008 +/- 0.005; 0.011 +/- 0.004; 0.009 +/- 0.014 and 0.036 +/- 0.028 mg F/kg body weight/day, respectively, totalizing 0.064 +/- 0.035 mg F/kg body weight/day. The dentifrice and the diet contributed with 56.3% and 43.7% of the daily fluoride intake, respectively. Among the children evaluated, 31.2% are estimated to have risk to develop dental fluorosis (intake>0.07 mg F/kg body weight/day).

CONCLUSIONS

The dentifrice was the main source of fluoride intake by the children evaluated. However, the fluoride concentration in food items also significantly contributed to the daily ingestion by 2-6-year-old children. The questionnaire used seems to be a promising alternative to duplicate diet to estimate the fluoride intake at this age range and may have potential to be used in broad epidemiological surveys.

Avaliação da ingestão de nutrientes de crianças de uma creche filantrópica: aplicação do Consumo Dietético de Referência

OBJETIVOS: comparar a adequação aparente da ingestão dos nutrientes utilizando os valores de referência "Consumo Dietético de Referência" (Dietary Reference Intake-DRIs) de 35 crianças de uma creche filantrópica, em dois momentos, no ato da matrícula (momento 1) e após seis meses de freqüência na creche (momento 2). MÉTODOS: A avaliação sócio-demográfica foi realizada através de questionário abordando renda, escolaridade, condições de moradia e saneamento básico. Para avaliação do consumo alimentar, no ato da matrícula, a história dietética foi determinada em entrevista com o responsável, com o propósito de obter informações sobre consumo habitual da criança na sua residência. Após o período de seis meses foi utilizado o método de pesagem direta de alimentos (na creche) complementando com o consumo alimentar da criança na residência. A análise dos nutrientes como proteínas, ferro, cálcio e vitamina C, além das fibras alimentares, foi realizada através um programa computacional. Para comparar a adequação dos nutrientes nos dois momentos do estudo utilizou-se o teste t de Student para dados pareados (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: observou-se que ocorreu uma melhora significativa no consumo médio de nutrientes e de fibras alimentares das crianças, após seis meses de frequência na creche. Chama atenção que nenhuma criança atingiu o nível de adequação de fibras alimentares nos dois momentos do estudo, apesar da diferença significativa. CONCLUSÕES: os resultados sugerem que as creches podem ter um importante papel na melhora do estado nutricional de crianças de estratos sociais menos favorecidos.

Consumo alimentar de macro e micronutrientes de crianças menores de cinco anos no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

OBJETIVO: analisar o consumo alimentar de macro e micronutrientes, com base na Dietary Reference Intakes, das crianças menores de cinco anos do Estado de Pernambuco, considerando três áreas geográficas: Região Metropolitana do Recife, Interior Urbano e Interior Rural. MÉTODOS: a amostra constitui-se de 948 crianças menores de cinco anos de idade, com representatividade para o Estado de Pernambuco e suas três áreas geográficas. O consumo alimentar foi registrado mediante o recordatório de 24 horas e foram analisadas as medianas e prevalências de inadequação dos macro e micronutrientes de acordo com as Dietary Reference Intakes. RESULTADOS: o déficit de energia e micronutrientes mostrou-se prevalente nas crianças, em todas as faixas etárias e áreas geográficas; entretanto, o consumo de proteínas apresentou-se acima dos valores de referência. A prevalência de inadequação dos micronutrientes foi elevada, principalmente de ferro e zinco, nas crianças acima de 12 meses de idade. Os resultados no Interior Rural foram os mais baixos para todos os nutrientes analisados. CONCLUSÕES: o consumo alimentar das crianças do Estado de Pernambuco demonstrou déficit de energia, de macro e micronutrientes. Espera-se que estes resultados possam servir como subsídios para implementação de políticas de nutrição e alimentação no Estado, visando prevenir os principais distúrbios nutricionais em menores de cinco anos.

Dietary reference intakes: aplicabilidade das tabelas em estudos nutricionais

As avaliações de dietas e o planejamento de consumo são atividades tradicionalmente realizadas por meio da comparação de médias de ingestão contra valores de referência de energia e nutrientes, seja para indivíduos ou grupos. Limitações de ordem técnica devem ser levadas em conta, sem as quais se pode chegar a conclusões equivocadas quanto ao atendimento das necessidades nutricionais. As Recomendações Nutricionais propostas pelo Institute of Medicine dos Estados Unidos, em conjunto com a agência Health Canada, a partir de 1997, conhecidas como Dietary Reference Intakes, representam um novo paradigma para o estabelecimento de indicadores nutricionais de consumo, ao aperfeiçoarem o uso do conceito de risco na avaliação de dietas. Fontes de erro intra ou interindividuais, devidas à variabilidade de padrão de consumo e decorrentes da distribuição das necessidades na população, aliadas a um pequeno número de dias de observação, têm grande impacto sobre a confiabilidade da análise. Por esta razão devem orientar a utilização dos valores, que foram organizados em tabelas com as quatro categorias de nutrientes, publicadas entre 1997 e 2005. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo destacar algumas características de aplicação e consolidar os valores diários de Tolerable Upper Intake Level, Adequate Intake e Recommended Dietary Allowance, facilitando a consulta por parte de profissionais e estudantes da área de nutrição.

Zinco no plasma e eritrócito de atletas profissionais de uma equipe feminina brasileira de voleibol

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estado nutricional relativo ao zinco de 12 atletas profissionais do voleibol feminino. MÉTODOS: Determinou-se a concentração de zinco plasmático e eritrocitário por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, e avaliou-se a ingestão dietética por meio de registro alimentar de três dias, de 12 atletas profissionais do sexo feminino, integrantes de uma equipe de voleibol de Curitiba, PR, na faixa etária de 18 a 24 anos, no ano de 2003. RESULTADOS: Todas as atletas apresentaram valores normais de zinco plasmático. Quanto ao zinco eritrocitário, 100,00% apresentaram valores abaixo da normalidade. Em relação à ingestão dietética de zinco, 83,33% apresentaram adequação. Decréscimos no conteúdo de zinco eritrocitário podem representar o efeito agudo de exercícios prolongados pela utilização enzimática da superóxido dismutase ou anidrase carbônica. CONCLUSÃO: O estado nutricional das atletas relativo ao zinco parece estar inadequado, pois, apesar dos valores normais para a concentração de zinco plasmático, a concentração eritrocitária esteve abaixo da faixa de normalidade para todas as atletas.

Perfil dietético, estado nutricional e prevalência de obesidade centralizada em praticantes de futebol recreativo

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o perfil dietético, estado nutricional e a prevalência de obesidade centralizada (OC) em praticantes de futebol recreativo. MÉTODOS: Amostra: 40 indivíduos (38,6 ± 7,4 anos) do gênero masculino. Para a avaliação do consumo habitual (CH), foi utilizado um questionário quantitativo de freqüência alimentar. O estado nutricional foi avaliado por meio do índice de massa corporal (IMC). A OC foi definida como circunferência abdominal (CIRCAB) superior a 102cm. RESULTADOS: Predomínio de indivíduos da classe social "B" (80,0%), brancos (67,5%), casados (62,5%) e funcionários públicos (52,5%). As médias mostraram: massa corporal de 77,2 ± 11,8kg, estatura de 1,71 ± 0,1m, IMC de 26,4 ± 3,1kg/m², CIRCAB de 92,3 ± 8,8cm, CH de 2.623,2 ± 438,5kcal. As proporções de nutrientes foram de 48,2 ± 5,7% de carboidratos, 17,6 ± 2,4% de proteínas, 34,9 ± 4,2% de lipídeos totais, 568,2 ± 112,7mg de colesterol e 20,2 ± 6,1g de fibras dietéticas. No estado nutricional, 35,0% são eutróficos, 52,5% apresentam sobrepeso e 12,5% são obesos. Em relação ao padrão de obesidade, 12,5% apresentam gordura centralizada. Entre as correlações observou-se forte associação entre CIRCAB x IMC (r = 0,91) e CIRCAB x massa corporal (r = 0,88). CONCLUSÃO: Os futebolistas devem ser orientados sobre a importância da adequação nutricional para melhora da qualidade da vida e do desempenho esportivo, fato relacionado com as proporções de nutrientes encontrados, que evidenciaram reduzida ingestão de carboidratos e alta ingestão de proteínas e colesterol dietético. O estado nutricional mostrou valores prevalentes de sobrepeso e obesidade. A OC mostrou-se evidente, fato preocupante devido à associação desse padrão de obesidade com várias doenças crônicas não-transmissíveis.