How Do Male Football Players Meet Dietary Recommendations? A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The aim of this review was to determine whether male football players meet dietary recommendations according to a UEFA expert group statement and to identify priority areas for dietetic intervention, including training periodization and field position. A database search of PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO and Scopus was performed. To be included within the final review, articles were required to provide a dietary intake assessment of professional and semi-professional football players. A total of 17 studies met the full eligibility criteria. Several studies showed insufficient energy and carbohydrate intake compared to the recommendations. A majority of athletes consume adequate protein and fat intakes compared to the recommendations. In addition, several studies showed the insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. This systematic review showed that football players do not meet the nutritional recommendations according to the UEFA expert group statement. Future research should be focused on how to apply nutritional recommendations specific for athletes in accordance with training periodization and positions on the field.

Protein Intake in NCAA Division 1 Soccer Players: Assessment of Daily Amounts, Distribution Patterns, and Leucine Levels as a Quality Indicator

“…Nonetheless, both men and women, on average, were within the National Academy of Medicine’s Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR), which is defined as “a range of intakes for a particular energy source that is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases while providing adequate intakes of essential nutrients,” of 10–35% of total energy intake as protein [ 37 ]. Of note, the habitual daily protein intake amounts of the men’s and women’s soccer players observed in the present cohort are in line with previous findings in soccer players [ 29 , 30 ].…”

“…Though a considerable degree of uncertainty surrounds the topic due to limited data, there is no compelling evidence to issue sex-specific dietary recommendations for total daily protein intake, distribution, and quality of protein at present [ 27 , 28 ]. In general, however, the literature suggests that male soccer players may typically consume more protein than female players do [ 29 , 30 ], a pattern likely explained by the fact that muscle mass accretion usually represents a higher priority goal among male athletes [ 53 , 54 ]. Along similar lines, this study demonstrated that total daily protein quantities—expressed in absolute amounts, on a body weight-adjusted basis, and as a proportion of total energy consumption—were all significantly lower in women as compared to men.…”

“…In concordance with the current state of research, the UEFA expert panel does not issue separate protein intake targets on the basis of sex [ 3 ]. Interestingly, however, literature reviews of observational studies evaluating habitual protein consumption amounts in soccer players highlight that male players generally consume more protein than their female counterparts (1.9 vs. ~1.45 g protein/kg BW/day, respectively) [ 29 , 30 ].…”

The Effects of Acute Deep Seawater Supplementation on Muscle Function after Triathlon

“…In light of this, discipline-specific nutritional recommendations are necessary [8]. Several studies have been conducted regarding nutritional recommendations for team sports such as football/soccer [9,10] (and the sex-based differences within these disciplines) [11,12] or rugby [13]. Endurance athletes such as triathletes may be most at risk for micronutrient deficiency because of low energy consumption, coupled with longer physical activity duration and increased sweat rate [14].…”

Eating Habits of Football Players Training in Sports Clubs in the Żywiec District

“…Training adaptations, reduced recovery time, reduced susceptibility to injury, and improved exercise capacity all depend on an optimal supply of nutrients [2,3]. Elite football teams already recognize the need for appropriate nutritional interventions due to the increasing physiological demands on football players [4,5].…”