Vitamins and minerals consumption in the basic diet in athletes specializing in freestyle

Introduction. The most important factor in ensuring the solution of problems of medical and biological support for sports is the optimization of nutrition taking into account the tasks set at a certain stage of preparation. Materials and methods. The study involved twenty one member of the Russian Freestyle National Team (12 men aged 22±1 years and 9 women (21±1 years)). Nutrition was assessed using the recording method – self-maintaining a food diary using the NIAP web service. Results. For the first time, the nutrition in freestyle skiers was assessed using remote technologies and artificial intelligence. It was found that 67% had low intake of vitamins B1, B2 and C, 77% had low intake of beta-carotene and vitamin E, 89% had low intake of folic acid and vitamin K, 100% had low biotin, 44% had low intake of pantothenic acid and vitamin B12, and 33% had low intake of B6 and niacin. The vitamin A content in the diet in 4 female athletes did not reach 400 µg. In men, the content of beta-carotene, folic acid and biotin in the diet was below the norm in 83%, 75% had low intake of vitamin K, 50% had low intake of E, 33% had low intake of C, 25% had low intake of B1 and pantothenic acid, and 17% had low intake of niacin and B6. All of them had a vitamin D deficiency. There was established insufficient consumption of a number of macro- and microelements, such as Ca and I in 8 out of 9 (89%), K and Mg in 7 (78%), Fe and Zn in 6 (67%). in women, and a smaller deficiency of the same elements, with the exception of iron, in men. Limitations. To ensure the most precise nutritional information, it is crucial to provide respondents with pre training before using the NIAP online service and for a nutrition expert to control and validate the completed diaries on a daily basis. Conclusion. It is essential to fine-tune the fundamental eating plan for freestyle skiers. In cases of weight management or exceptionally high energy expenditure, it is recommended to incorporate specialized foodstuffs for sportsmen's nutrition, which address the specific nutritional gaps.