What’s on the menu for elite soccer players? Study reveals dietary habits vary by gender and competition level

A recent study published within the journal Nutrients finds that the dietary habits of elite soccer players vary based on their competitive levels and gender.

Study: Dietary Habits of Elite Soccer Players: Variations In line with Competitive Level, Playing Position and Sex. Image Credit: matimix / Shutterstock.com

Background

Soccer is a well-liked sport practiced by each men and girls worldwide. On average, players of this high-intensity sport exhibit an oxygen uptake of 70% of their maximum capability and maintain the guts rate at 85% of their maximum levels during a match.

Nutrition plays an important role within the performance of soccer players by providing them with essential nutrients for energy, muscle recovery, and injury prevention. Studies investigating the dietary status of soccer players have found higher-than-recommended levels of protein consumption and lower-than-recommended levels of carbohydrate consumption, which is inappropriate for sustaining optimal performance levels throughout a match.

Considering the importance of proper dietary status within the health and performance of soccer players, the present study assessed the dietary habits of elite soccer players and their association with the competitive level, playing position, and gender of the players.

Study design

A complete of 105 female and male soccer players belonging to a Spanish elite soccer team were enrolled within the study. The study was conducted through the 2021-2022 competitive season. All players had no less than 4 years of soccer training experience and took part in as much as seven regular training sessions every week.

The participants were asked to finish a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, which included 24 questions divided into two essential sections. The primary section enquired about demographic characteristics and playing positions, whereas the second section collected details about food and beverage consumption over the previous month.    

Vital observations

The evaluation of the food frequency questionnaire revealed higher consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods, fermented foods, frozen food, and pork amongst male soccer players as in comparison with that amongst female soccer players. In contrast, female players were more more likely to devour higher levels of lean meat like chicken and turkey than male players.

Considering different competitive levels, a better consumption of carbohydrate-rich and frozen foods, combined with a lower consumption of lean meat, was observed amongst cadets. The very best consumption of egg and its derivatives and pork was observed amongst juvenile players.

A major difference within the frequency of alcohol consumption was observed based on the competitive levels of the players. The very best frequency of alcohol consumption was observed amongst players within the senior category. Within the senior categories, male players were related to a better frequency of mixed drink consumption, whereas female players were likelier to devour beer and wine.

Considering different competitive levels, the consumption of mixed drinks was higher amongst junior players, whereas the consumption of beer and wine was higher amongst senior players. Considering different playing positions, the very best consumption of alcohol was observed amongst goalkeepers and midfielders.  

Study significance

The present study finds significant differences within the dietary habits of elite soccer players based on their competitive levels and gender.

A better consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods, including pasta, rice, whole grains, and cereals, has been observed amongst male players. These foods can increase muscle glycogen content, which is required to extend endurance capability in high-intensity exercises and stop the rapid onset of fatigue. Nevertheless, carbohydrates must be consumed based on physical demand as a way to maintain an optimal body composition.

A better consumption of frozen or processed foods has been observed amongst adolescent players. Given the hostile health effects of those foods, the scientists advise players to comply with the minimum recommendations for the frequency of consumption of unhealthy foods.

Female soccer players have had a lower consumption of pork and legumes. On this context, the scientists mention that if the weight-reduction plan of those players will not be appropriately supplemented, it may lead to the event of certain health complications, akin to anemia. Furthermore, given the lower consumption of dietary carbohydrates, scientists advise female players to devour carbohydrate-rich sports foods, akin to sports bars and isotonic drinks.