INTRODUCTION: Paleolithic nutrition is based on the principles of evolutionary biology with a focus on the moderate carbohydrate options available to hunter-gatherers. The relatively small amount of carbohydrates in the Paleo diet is increasingly used by athletes with the aim of using fat during exercises and saving carbohydrate reserves. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the nutritional value of the isocaloric Paleo diet according to recommendations dedicated to professional athletes. METHODS: The food rations were prepared for nine professional handball players considering the isocaloric model of the Paleo diet (PD) based on individual assumptions. The following energy share of macronutrients was adopted: 20-30% protein, 35-40% fat and 30-35% carbohydrates. A total of 504 daily food rations were created and then prepared by the catering company for 8 weeks for each athlete. The nutritional value of the Paleo diet applied by athletes was compared to the recommendations for ones according to various position stands. RESULTS: In relation to the recommendation for athletes the Paleodiet distinguished by a higher content of protein (24,22%, but not in g/kg of body mass: 2,82g/kg), fats (40,52%; 2,06g/kg of body mass), saturated fatty acids (15,76%), cholesterol (1018,16mg), fiber (59,86 g/d) and lower amount of carbohydrates (35,13%; but sufficient in g/kg of body mass: 4,23g/kg), sucrose (13,09%), polyunsaturated fatty acids (5,44%). The PD is characterized by an adequate content of sodium and vitamins: K, B1 and higher (exceeding the RDA/AI) content of minerals: phosphorus, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese, selenium, and vitamins: A (higher than UL), E, C, niacin, vit. B2, B5, B6, B12, and folic acid but lower than RDA/AI amount of minerals: calcium, and vit. D. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the content of macro- and micronutrients in the Paleodiet, considering the increased energy needs of athletes, allows it to be considered a diet with high nutritional value. The carbohydrate content is close to the lower limit of the recommendation, and the fat content is slightly higher than the upper limit of the recommendation. Recommendations for polish population have been implemented. The Paleodiet is characterized by a high content of vitamin D, which should be considered an exceptionally beneficial feature of the diet. The results allow to justify the use of the PD by athletes as an effective method of nutrition with a low risk of deficiencies in most nutrients. A properly composed PD can be considered as a strategy for athlete representatives of disciplines that do not require high availability of carbohydrates (e.g., team sports).
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