Dietary Intakes Differ by Body Composition Goals: An Observational Study of Professional Rugby Union Players in New Zealand

Abstract

Preseason in rugby union is a period of intensive training where players undergo conditioning to prepare for the competitive season. In some cases, this includes modifying body composition through weight gain or fat loss. This study aimed to describe the macronutrient intakes of professional rugby union players during pre-season training. It was hypothesized that players required to gain weight would have a higher energy, carbohydrate and protein intake compared to those needing to lose weight. Twenty-three professional rugby players completed 3 days of dietary assessment and their sum of eight skinfolds were assessed. Players were divided into three groups by the team coaches and medical staff: weight gain, weight maintain and weight loss. Mean energy intakes were 3,875 ± 907 kcal·d−1 (15,965 ± 3,737 kJ·d−1) (weight gain 4,532 ± 804 kcal·d−1; weight maintain 3,825 ± 803 kcal·d−1; weight loss 3,066 ± 407 kcal·d−1) and carbohydrate intakes were 3.7 ± 1.2 g·kg−1·d−1 (weight gain 4.8 ± 0.9 g.kg−1·d−1; weight maintain 2.8 ± 0.7 g·kg−1·d−1; weight loss 2. 6 ± 0.7 g·kg−1·d−1). The energy and carbohydrate intakes are similar to published intakes among rugby union players. There were significant differences in energy intake and the percent of energy from protein between the weight gain and the weight loss group.

Competition Nutrition Practices of Elite Male Professional Rugby Union Players

“…Mean relative protein intake was slightly lower within our study for both forwards (2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 0.5 g·kg·day −1 ) and backs (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 0.3 g·kg·day −1 ), while mean relative fat intake was higher within our study for both forwards (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 g·kg·day −1 ) and backs (1.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3 g·kg·day −1 ) compared to Bradley et al [ 7 ]. In comparison to dietary intakes reported during the pre-season period among professional RU players, mean absolute energy intakes were higher within our in-season study, yet relative macronutrient intakes were similar regardless of seasonal period [ 17 , 18 ].…”

“…However, similar research within RU players is required to provide further insight regarding glycogen utilisation. Interestingly, these “lower” carbohydrate intakes (≈3.5 g·kg·day −1 ) have supported improvements in physical performance and body composition measures during pre-season phases composed of high-intensity and high-volume glycogen depleting training sessions [ 17 , 18 ], suggesting these intakes may be adequate.…”

“…Currently, studies among professional RU players have assessed dietary intakes during pre-season [ 17 , 18 ] and in-season [ 7 ] periods. During the in-season, mean energy intakes for forwards (≈3966 kcal·day −1 ) and backs (≈3392 kcal·day −1 ) have been observed alongside what would be considered a “relatively low” carbohydrate (≈3.5 g·kg·day −1 ), high-protein (≈2.7 g·kg·day −1 ), and moderately high fat (≈1.5 g·kg·day −1 ) macronutrient intake [ 7 ] compared to team-sport nutrition recommendations (carbohydrate = ≈5–7; protein = ≈1.6; fat = ≈1.3 g·kg·day −1 ) [ 16 , 19 , 20 ] and general sport nutrition recommendations for carbohydrate on intense training and competition days (6–10 g·kg·day −1 ) [ 21 , 22 ].…”

The Physical Characteristics of Elite Female Rugby Union Players

“…Although low BMD does not appear to be a concern within this group of elite athletes, DXA is valuable to identify any athletes with low BMD. Greater insight into the movement demands, training load, and energy requirements of elite female RU players would also be valuable due to the associations between training and nutrition for optimizing body composition [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Dietary Intakes of Elite Male Professional Rugby Union Players in Catered and Non-Catered Environments

“…Currently, the nutritional practices of professional RU players have reported common trends regarding dietary intake. Players consume a relatively low carbohydrate (~3.5 g·kg of Body Mass [BM] per day −1 ), high protein (>2.0 g·kgBM·day −1 ) and moderate-high fat diet (>1.4 g·kgBM·day −1 ) [ 1 , 6 , 10 , 13 , 14 ] compared to nutritional recommendations for team-sport athletes (carbohydrate = 5–8 g·kgBM·day −1 ; protein = 1.7–2.2 g·kgBM·day −1 ; fat = 30–50% of total energy intake) [ 15 , 16 ]. It is recommended that team-sport athletes consume an adequate energy and macronutrient intake in order to offset energy expenditure, increase glycogen stores and repair body tissues [ 15 ].…”