Dietary Intakes, Knowledge, and Perceptions of Semi-professional Rugby Athletes in Scotland

Abstract

Background Adequate nutritional intake plays a pivotal role in optimizing performance, recovery, and body composition goals. This study aimed to investigate the dietary intakes (DIs); nutritional knowledge (NK); and attitudes, perceptions, and challenges (APC) of semiprofessional rugby players in Scotland. Methods Dietary intakes and NK of 24 male semiprofessional rugby players of a Super6 club were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Players were categorized as having good or poor NK according to NK scores. Diet-related APCs were assessed using researcher-developed questionnaires and 1-1 semi-structured interviews. Results Mean ± SD total NK% was poor, 53.7 ± 11.9%. The ‘Good’ NK group scored significantly higher in the Weight Management ( p = 0.014), Macronutrients ( p < 0.001), Micronutrients ( p = 0.001), and Sports Nutrition ( p < 0.001) sections. Mean DIs from food sources were 26.3 ± 9.2 kcal/kg/day energy, 1.4 ± 0.4 g/kg/day protein, and 21.7 ± 10.1 g/day fibre. Median (25th,75th) carbohydrate intake was 3.0 (2.0, 3.0) g/kg/day, and 6.3 (2.3, 10.6) units/week alcohol. Mean ± SD fat and saturated fat (SFA) % total energy intake (EI) were 36.2 ± 3.7% and 12.8 ± 1.9%, respectively, and SFA %EI exceeded recommendations ( p < 0.001). The ‘Good’ NK group had significantly higher intakes of all macronutrients ( p < 0.05). Total NK% positively correlated with intakes of meat ( r = 0.556, p = 0.011), cereals ( r = 0.458, p = 0.042), dietary fat ( r = 0.477, p = 0.034), vegetables ( r = 0.487, p = 0.030), and alcoholic beverages ( r = 0.541, p = 0.014). Supplement use was 68%. Players felt diet affected performance (94%) but 31% of them were unaware of any specific nutritional strategies. A healthy diet was perceived to be ‘balanced’ with ‘variety from all food groups. Lack of time for preparation was described as the main barrier to healthy eating. Conclusions Overall, players had poor NK, their fibre and carbohydrate intake was suboptimal, whereas saturated fat intake exceeded recommendations. Many lacked awareness of current sports nutrition guidelines. Further nutrition education may be needed to improve diet quality and aid performance goals.

Protein and Leucine Requirements for Maximal Muscular Development and Athletic Performance Are Achieved with Completely Plant-Based Diets Modeled to Meet Energy Needs in Adult Male Rugby Players

“…These protein intakes and the values modeled in the present study reside within the range reported in surveys of the dietary intakes of rugby players, which indicate mean protein intakes of 1.02-2.59 g/kg [8,10,22,23,72,77]. These values may reflect larger intakes of protein supplements, the use of which is prevalent among rugby players [71,[78][79][80]. In contrast, dietary data modeled from the AHS-2 cohort included limited capture of meal replacement drinks and protein supplements, where the top reported sources of protein included legumes, grains, and other whole plant foods [81].…”

“…A systematic review that used 24 h recalls and food diaries of varying durations to estimate the dietary intakes of team sport athletes including rugby players reported mean energy intakes that ranged from 3177 to 4336 kcal/day [70]. Additional research using FFQ, 24 h recalls, and food diaries estimated the energy intakes of rugby players to be between 2284 and 3875 kcal/day [8,10,22,23,71,72]. Low reported energy intakes relative to TEE have led to observations of a negative energy balance (−1382 kcal/day) in rugby players [10], accompanied by suggestions for cautious interpretation due to underreporting during dietary assessment and limitations in energy intake estimations [10,72].…”

Translation and Validation of the Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire in Brazil (NSKQ-BR)

“…Comparable findings were reported among elite English squash players (56.1%) and professional athletes in the Australian women’s football league (50.6%) [ 26 , 27 ]. Conversely, studies conducted with professional Irish Gaelic footballers, Australian team sports athletes, and Scottish rugby athletes revealed a poor NK level (<50%) [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Similar to the current study, no correlation was demonstrated between age, educational level and the level of NK in the athletes [ 26 , 27 ].…”

Eat well to the best performance: calorie intake and eating behavior among athlete: a review

“…This is proven by research from [8], [22], [32]- [34]. This is caused by a lack of knowledge of athletes and coaches in setting the right athlete's diet [13], [15], [28], [35]. By having good nutritional knowledge, athletes will manage intake appropriately [36].…”

“…Understanding of consuming proper food intake for athletes is lacking. This is shown through research conducted by [35], [46], [47]. The average athlete has low nutritional knowledge so they consume inappropriate foods.…”