Impression Of Specific Vitamins And Minerals On Haematology Of Young Indian Badminton Players

Abstract

Haematology is an essential biochemical parameter to evaluate health, fitness and performance status of badminton players in response to intense and prolong training for successive performance. Sound nutrition with proper intake of specific vitamins and minerals is essentially required to maintain normal haematological components that include haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelet count, functioning primarily in transportation, fortification and regulation of the various body systems. Present study had evaluated the intake of players (400 nos. 10-15 years junior male and female badminton players from Nagpur, Maharashtra) for certain vitamins such as pyridoxine (B₆), Folate (B₉), vitamin C and carotene and minerals like iron, copper, zinc through 24 hour’s dietary recall method, tested haematological components and assessed the effects of micro nutrient intake on haematology. Except carotene, intake of other vitamins and minerals for all age groups far exceeded the Indian RDAs (recommended dietary allowances), also corroborated by adequate (100%) to extra NAR (nutrient adequacy ratio) (>100%) to RDAs recorded over majority of the subjects from all age groups. Except female pre-eminence in carotene intake among younger age group, male ascendency were obviously recorded in other vitamins and minerals among all age groups. Haematological tests showed that majority of the players were non anaemic with normal RBC, WBC and platelet counts. Positive correlations (0.0209, p>0.05 to 0.8401, p<0.01) were established between vitamins-minerals intake and haematology. Considering the status of haematology, dietary assessment and their interrelationship depicted from the present study, scientifically planned balanced diets by expert nutritionists are recommended for competitive badminton players right from young age for successful performance.