ORIGINAL PAPER
Unveiling the link: nutritional intake and body composition in elite male Olympic combat sport athletes
1
Department of Sport Nutrition, National Paralympic Committee (NPC), Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Sport Science, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
3
Physical Education and Sports Teaching Department, Faculty of Kazim Karabekir Education, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
4
Center for Strategic Research and Studies, Sport and Youth Ministry, Tehran, Iran
5
Department of Exercise Physiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
6
Exercise and Performance Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, USA
7
Center for Health and Exercise Science Research, Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
8
Department of Sport Nutrition, National Olympic Committee (NOC), Tehran, Iran
9
Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Food and Drugs University of Parma, Parma, Italy
These authors had equal contribution to this work
Submission date: 2025-04-07
Acceptance date: 2025-09-10
Publication date: 2025-12-22
Corresponding author
Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Food and Drugs University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Human Nutrition Unit, Department of Food and Drugs University of Parma, Parma, Italy
Hum Mov. 2025;26(4):107-119
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
This study investigates the anthropometric, body composition (BC), and nutritional intake profiles of elite Olympic combat sports athletes in taekwondo (TKD), judo, karate, and boxing. The aim is to assess sport-specific differences in body fat percentage (%BF), fat-free mass (FFM), and nutrient intake, including macronutrients and key micronutrients such as B-complex vitamins.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 57 elite male Iranian combat athletes preparing for the 2018 Asian Games. Anthropometric measurements were assessed using ISAK-standard skinfold thickness, while dietary intake was analysed via a three-day food logbook and the NutriBase 8.1.9 software. Statistical comparisons between combat sports groups were performed using ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests (p < 0.05).
Results:
TKD athletes exhibited significantly lower %BF than judo and boxing athletes (p < 0.001), whereas boxers had higher %BF than karatekas (p = 0.006). Judo athletes had the highest energy (p = 0.014) and carbohydrate intake (p = 0.003), while TKD athletes consumed less protein (p < 0.001) and vitamin B12 (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Boxing athletes displayed higher vitamin B6 intake (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Distinct sport-specific BC and nutritional intake patterns exist among combat sports athletes. TKD athletes demonstrated leaner profiles, while judo athletes exhibited higher energy and carbohydrate consumption. These findings highlight the need for tailored dietary strategies to optimise performance and recovery based on the physiological demands of each combat discipline. Further research should explore individualised nutrition plans considering weight categories and gender differences.
This study investigates the anthropometric, body composition (BC), and nutritional intake profiles of elite Olympic combat sports athletes in taekwondo (TKD), judo, karate, and boxing. The aim is to assess sport-specific differences in body fat percentage (%BF), fat-free mass (FFM), and nutrient intake, including macronutrients and key micronutrients such as B-complex vitamins.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 57 elite male Iranian combat athletes preparing for the 2018 Asian Games. Anthropometric measurements were assessed using ISAK-standard skinfold thickness, while dietary intake was analysed via a three-day food logbook and the NutriBase 8.1.9 software. Statistical comparisons between combat sports groups were performed using ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests (p < 0.05).
Results:
TKD athletes exhibited significantly lower %BF than judo and boxing athletes (p < 0.001), whereas boxers had higher %BF than karatekas (p = 0.006). Judo athletes had the highest energy (p = 0.014) and carbohydrate intake (p = 0.003), while TKD athletes consumed less protein (p < 0.001) and vitamin B12 (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Boxing athletes displayed higher vitamin B6 intake (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Distinct sport-specific BC and nutritional intake patterns exist among combat sports athletes. TKD athletes demonstrated leaner profiles, while judo athletes exhibited higher energy and carbohydrate consumption. These findings highlight the need for tailored dietary strategies to optimise performance and recovery based on the physiological demands of each combat discipline. Further research should explore individualised nutrition plans considering weight categories and gender differences.
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