Evaluation of the Dietary Profile of Footballers in Ligue 2 in the Department of Brazzaville

Abstract

This exploratory study aimed to assess the dietary profile of 2nd division footballers in the departmental league of Brazzaville. Our sample was made up of 120 subjects divided into 3 clubs and aged on average 17.86 ± 1.39 years. Through the standardized and extended nutritional survey (SENS) and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), we used the 24-hours recall method to assess nutritional status, respect for meal times, types of food consumed, quantity of food and variation of breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner foods. The results obtained showed that the nutritional status was normal at the level of the three (03) clubs (19.95 ± 2.12 kg/m2 for Gothia club, 21.60 ± 1.61 kg/m2 for Marakana club and 21.31 ± 1.88 kg/m2 for Red Star club. However, we first noted a lack of respect for meal times in 52.2% of Gothia players, 72.2% of Marakana players and 81.6% of Red Star players respectively. Similarly, dissatisfaction with competition meals was then noticed in 60.9%, 83.3% and 55.3% of Gothia, Marakana and Red Star players respectively. An insufficient number of meals taken during the day and no dietary variation in 60.9%, 58.3% and 57.9% of the players of the three respective clubs. Similarly, these results showed the intake of an insufficient amount of food respectively in 60.9%, 55.6% and 44.7% of the players of the three respective clubs. In the end, it was revealed an under-information in terms of sports nutrition in 100%, 77.78%, and 68.42% of the players of the three respective clubs. In conclusion, the food profile of footballers was inadequate and not controlled by nutritionists. This profile is associated with a nutritional imbalance, which is a factor in poor athletic performance.