Researchers in Lebanon studied 110 taekwondo athletes to understand their nutrition, blood health, and body composition. They found that male athletes were more likely to have healthy iron levels and more muscle mass, while female athletes faced more challenges in building muscle. Athletes who trained longer hours and maintained a healthy weight had better muscle development. The study shows that taekwondo athletes need personalized nutrition plans to prevent iron deficiency and optimize their body composition for peak performance.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How well-nourished Lebanese taekwondo athletes are, whether they have iron deficiency, their muscle and fat levels, and what factors predict healthy bodies in these athletes
  • Who participated: 110 taekwondo athletes in Lebanon, including both males and females of various training levels, studied between January and July 2023
  • Key finding: Male athletes had significantly better iron levels and more muscle mass than female athletes. Athletes who trained 10+ hours per week and maintained a healthy weight were more likely to have normal muscle mass. Healthy fat levels were linked to healthy iron levels.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a taekwondo athlete, especially female, you may need to pay special attention to iron intake and muscle-building nutrition. Regular training combined with proper nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight appears important for athletic performance.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers took a snapshot of 110 taekwondo athletes at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. The researchers measured several things: iron levels in the blood (using hemoglobin and hematocrit tests), body composition using a special machine that measures muscle and fat percentages, blood pressure, and dietary diversity using a food consumption score. They also asked athletes questions about their training schedule, supplement use, and other health factors.

The researchers used statistical analysis to figure out which factors predicted healthy iron levels, normal blood pressure, and good muscle and fat percentages. This approach allowed them to identify patterns and associations between different health measures and athlete characteristics.

Cross-sectional studies are useful for identifying patterns and potential problems in a population quickly and affordably. In this case, it helped researchers spot that Lebanese taekwondo athletes—a group that hadn’t been studied much before—may have specific nutritional needs. Understanding these patterns can guide future research and help coaches and nutritionists develop better training and eating plans.

This study provides valuable information about a previously unstudied population, which is important. However, because it’s a snapshot in time rather than following athletes over time, we can’t be completely certain about cause-and-effect relationships. The study size of 110 athletes is reasonable but not huge. The researchers used proper measurement tools and statistical methods, which strengthens the findings.

What the Results Show

Male taekwondo athletes were significantly more likely to have healthy iron levels compared to female athletes. About 73% of male athletes had normal iron levels compared to a lower percentage in females. Male athletes also had notably higher percentages of muscle mass, which makes sense given typical biological differences between males and females.

Athletes who trained 10 or more hours per week were about 3.5 times more likely to have normal muscle mass compared to those training less. This suggests that consistent, higher-volume training supports muscle development. Athletes who maintained a healthy weight (normal BMI) were nearly 5 times more likely to have normal muscle mass and about 15 times more likely to have normal fat percentages.

Interestingly, having normal fat levels was strongly linked to having healthy iron levels. This connection suggests that overall body composition and nutrition are interconnected. Male athletes were also more likely to use iron supplements and pain medications, possibly because they trained harder or were more proactive about managing their health.

The study found that female athletes had significantly lower odds of achieving normal muscle mass, even when accounting for other factors. This highlights a specific challenge for female taekwondo athletes that may require targeted nutritional support. The research also showed that dietary diversity (eating a variety of foods) was assessed but the specific relationship between diet quality and outcomes wasn’t detailed in the abstract, suggesting this could be an area for future research.

This study fills an important gap because very little research existed on Lebanese taekwondo athletes’ nutrition and health. The findings align with general sports science knowledge that training volume and body composition are important for athletic performance. The gender differences observed are consistent with biological research showing that males typically have higher muscle mass percentages naturally, but the study suggests female athletes may need extra nutritional support to optimize their muscle development.

This study took a snapshot at one point in time, so we can’t prove that one thing causes another—only that they’re associated. The study only included Lebanese athletes, so results may not apply to taekwondo athletes in other countries with different diets and training styles. The study didn’t deeply explore the quality of athletes’ diets, only dietary diversity. Additionally, we don’t know if the athletes studied are representative of all Lebanese taekwondo athletes, which could affect how much we can generalize the findings.

The Bottom Line

Taekwondo athletes, especially females, should work with a sports nutritionist to ensure adequate iron intake through diet or supplements (moderate confidence). Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and consistent training appears important for optimal body composition (moderate-to-high confidence). Athletes should aim for regular training of 10+ hours per week combined with proper nutrition to support muscle development (moderate confidence). All athletes should monitor their iron levels regularly, particularly if experiencing fatigue or reduced performance (moderate confidence).

Taekwondo athletes of all levels should pay attention to these findings, with special emphasis on female athletes who appear to face greater challenges with iron levels and muscle mass. Coaches, athletic trainers, and sports nutritionists working with taekwondo athletes should use these findings to develop better nutrition and training programs. Parents of young taekwondo athletes should ensure their children receive proper nutrition. These findings may also apply to athletes in other combat sports with similar training demands.

Improvements in iron levels may take 4-8 weeks with proper supplementation or dietary changes. Noticeable increases in muscle mass typically require 8-12 weeks of consistent training combined with adequate nutrition. Overall improvements in body composition and athletic performance may take 3-6 months to become apparent.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly training hours (aim for 10+ hours) and log iron-rich foods consumed daily (red meat, beans, spinach, fortified cereals). Monitor energy levels and fatigue as indicators of iron status.
  • Set a goal to include one iron-rich food at each meal. If female, consider discussing iron supplementation with a healthcare provider. Schedule weekly training to reach 10+ hours and log completion in the app.
  • Monthly check-ins on training volume consistency, dietary diversity score, and subjective energy/fatigue levels. Quarterly body composition measurements if possible. Track any symptoms of iron deficiency (fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath) to discuss with a healthcare provider.

This research describes patterns in a specific group of Lebanese taekwondo athletes and should not be considered personal medical advice. Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, sex, training intensity, and health status. Before starting supplements, changing your diet significantly, or modifying your training program, consult with a healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or sports medicine specialist. If you experience symptoms of iron deficiency (persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness), seek medical evaluation. This study provides general guidance for athletes and coaches but cannot replace personalized professional assessment.