A Survey Comparing Nutritional Status and Exercise Training Programs Between Adolescent Japanese and Chinese Athletes

The nutritional status and exercise training programs were compared between adolescent Japanese and Chinese athletes who belonged to the top schools for track and field and basketball in their respective countries. The mean energy intake was about two times greater in Chinese athletes than in their Japanese counterparts. Chinese athletes consumed 1.5~2.0 times more carbohydrate, 1.9~2.3 times more protein, 3.5~7.5times more calcium, 2.9~3.7 times more iron, 1.7~2.2 times more vitamin Bt and 1.3~ 1.8 times more vitamin B2. Almost all the Chinese athletes consumed more than the Recommended Dietary Allowance standards for energy, protein, calcium, iron and vitamins A, Blf B2 and C, while many Japanese athletes did not meet them except for vitamin A and C. The Japanese athletes had more inadequate training schedules, insufficient weight training, and unsatisfactory amount and intervals of rest. These results indicate that Japanese athletes have certain deficiencies in their comprehensive training programs in consideration to nutrition, exercise and rest.