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Sebastiá-Rico J, Martínez-Sanz JM, Sanchis-Chordà J, Alonso-Calvar M, López-Mateu P, Romero-García D, Soriano JM. Supplement Consumption by Elite Soccer Players: Differences by Competitive Level, Playing Position, and Sex. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:496. [PMID: 38391871 PMCID: PMC10887827 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Soccer is a sport practiced all over the world and whose practice begins in young athletes. Currently, the consumption of nutritional supplements is essential to achieve the maximum performance of players. The aim of this study was to describe the consumption of sports supplements (CSS) by elite soccer players and its association with their competitive level, playing position, and sex. A comparative descriptive and non-experimental study was performed during the 2021-2022 competitive season. A total of 70 elite players completed one online questionnaire about their CSS. We found that sports drinks (55.7%), sports bars (50.0%), whey protein (48.6%), caffeine (47.1%), and creatine (60.0%) were the most consumed supplements by the total sample. Relative to the categories, the CSS was higher in the senior teams for both men and women. Regarding playing positions, caffeine was more consumed by midfielders and forwards (p = 0.013). Finally, in relation to sex, significant differences were found in the consumption of sports confectionery (p = 0.036), whey protein (p = 0.002), β-alanine (p = 0.013), and melatonin (p = 0.016). Soccer club SS questionnaires gather data to understand patterns, assess effectiveness and risks, and aid research. In conclusion, differences were found in the CSS according to competitive level, sex, and playing position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Sebastiá-Rico
- Area of Nutrition, University Clinic of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Physiotherapy (CUNAFF), Lluís Alcanyís Foundation-University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | | | | | - Miguel Alonso-Calvar
- Area of High Conditional Performance, Academia Valencia CF SAD, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Pedro López-Mateu
- Area of Medical Services, Academia Valencia CF SAD, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | | | - Jose M Soriano
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Joint Research Unit of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe-University of Valencia, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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Sebastiá-Rico J, Cabeza-Melendre D, Anderson L, Martínez-Sanz JM. Nitric Oxide in the Field: Prevalence and Use of Nitrates by Dietitians and Nutritionists in Spanish Elite Soccer. Nutrients 2023; 15:5128. [PMID: 38140386 PMCID: PMC10745965 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Soccer players make frequent use of dietary supplements to improve performance. One of the most widely used strategies to optimize performance is to increase the bioavailability of nitric oxide through nitrates, as it could delay fatigue during physical exertion, among other benefits. This may be positive for performance in soccer, although there is almost no research in professional soccer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the use of nitrates and behaviours related to their consumption in Spanish elite soccer clubs. Dietitian-nutritionist representatives from 45 teams from the most important Spanish soccer leagues completed an online survey to determine if, when, how and why nitrates are prescribed to soccer players. Of the total sample, 55.6% indicated providing nitrates, always before matches, but only 36% in training. There was a wide variation and lack of consistency in the timing, dosage and form of administration of nitrates. The use of mouthwashes or the protocol of chronic nitrate intake was not taken into account in most cases. The present study indicates a lack of interpretation between scientific knowledge and its application in practice, highlighting the need for future research to better understand how to optimize the use of nitrates in professional soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Sebastiá-Rico
- Area of Nutrition, University Clinic of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Physiotherapy (CUNAFF), Lluís Alcanyís Foundation—University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Daniel Cabeza-Melendre
- Area of Nutrition, University Clinic of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Physiotherapy (CUNAFF), Lluís Alcanyís Foundation—University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Liam Anderson
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
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Sebastiá-Rico J, Soriano JM, Sanchis-Chordà J, Alonso-Calvar M, López-Mateu P, Romero-García D, Martínez-Sanz JM. Dietary Habits of Elite Soccer Players: Variations According to Competitive Level, Playing Position and Sex. Nutrients 2023; 15:4323. [PMID: 37892399 PMCID: PMC10609682 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Soccer is a sport practiced worldwide by both men and women, where nutrition plays a fundamental role in the performance of soccer players, providing them with the nutrients necessary for energy, muscle recovery and injury prevention. The aim of this study is to describe the dietary habits in elite soccer players and their association with their competitive level, playing position and sex. A descriptive and non-experimental comparative study was conducted during the 2021-2022 competitive season. A total of 105 players belonging to a Spanish elite soccer team completed a food frequency questionnaire (FCFQ). It was observed that male players presented a higher consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods (p < 0.05), fermented foods (p = 0.014), frozen foods (p = 0.049) and red meat (p = 0.012) compared to female players, with the exception of lean meats, which were higher in females (p = 0.012). Furthermore, the U16-15 categories stand out for consuming carbohydrate-rich foods such as pasta (p = 0.000), bread (p = 0.004) and sweets (p = 0.046), as well as frozen foods (p = 0.002). Finally, alcohol consumption is higher in the senior categories (42.9%), where men are more likely to drink mixed drinks (6.2%), and beer and wine by women (10.7%). Practically no differences were found between the playing positions. In conclusion, differences were found in FCFQ according to competitive level and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Sebastiá-Rico
- Area of Nutrition, University Clinic of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Physiotherapy (CUNAFF), Lluís Alcanyís Foundation—University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain;
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Jose M. Soriano
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Joint Research Unit of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, Health Research Institute La Fe—University of Valencia, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Miguel Alonso-Calvar
- Area of High Conditional Performance, Academia Valencia CF SAD, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Pedro López-Mateu
- Area of Medical Services, Academia Valencia CF SAD, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - David Romero-García
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - José Miguel Martínez-Sanz
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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Leão C, Rocha-Rodrigues S, Machado I, Lemos J, Leal S, Nobari H. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in young male soccer players. BMC Nutr 2023; 9:101. [PMID: 37667367 PMCID: PMC10476429 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00761-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nutrition is vital in health and sports performance by improving anthropometric-related parameters and dietary habits, especially in the youngest ages. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been highly recognized for its positive health effects and low adverse environmental impact. OBJECTIVES We aimed to characterize adherence to the MD and analyze its association with anthropometric parameters in young soccer players. METHODOLOGY In the present study, 132 male young soccer players from under 9 to under 15 categories (aged 7 to 15 years) from a Portuguese football club participated. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) questionnaire was applied to assess adherence to the MD. Anthropometric-related parameters, including body mass, height, triceps skinfold thickness (TSKF), suprailiac skinfold thickness (SISKF), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%BF), were determined. The differences between groups were performed accordingly to normal and non-normal distribution. Spearman's correlations were performed to analyze the hypothetical correlation between KIDMED and BMI. RESULTS Players reached an average KIDMED score of 8.36 ± 1.92, showing that 68.2% (n = 90) reached high adherence to the MD, 31.1% (n = 41) had moderate adherence to the MD, and 0.78% (n = 1) had poor adherence to the MD. When the analysis was made for age group and BMI classification, no significant differences were observed in adherence to the MD. Considering the main characteristics of the MD, 50.8% consumed fruit (vs. 49,2%), 52.3% consumed vegetables (vs. 47,7%), and only 20% consumed oleaginous dried fruits (vs. 80%). Dairy consumption throughout the day was 49,2% (vs. no: 50,8%). CONCLUSION Data from the present study showed that many soccer players adhered to the MD, and no differences were observed for age group or BMI classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Leão
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Álvares, Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT), Viana do Castelo, Melgaço, 4960-320, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Rocha-Rodrigues
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Álvares, Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Performance, Recreation, Innovation and Technology (SPRINT), Viana do Castelo, Melgaço, 4960-320, Portugal
- Tumour & Microenvironment Interactions Group, INEB- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, Porto, 4200-153, Portugal
| | - Inês Machado
- Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, Paredes, 4585-116, Portugal
| | - João Lemos
- Escola Superior Desporto e Lazer, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Rua Escola Industrial e Comercial de Nun'Álvares, Viana do Castelo, 4900-347, Portugal
| | - Sandra Leal
- Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, Rua Central de Gandra, Paredes, 4585-116, Portugal
| | - Hadi Nobari
- Faculty of Sports Science, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain.
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, 5619911367, H.N, Iran.
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Abreu R, Oliveira CB, Brito J, Teixeira VH. Perspectives and practices of nutritionists on dietary supplements for elite soccer teams: a cross-sectional survey study. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1230969. [PMID: 37637220 PMCID: PMC10450918 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1230969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and objectives Dietary supplements are part of the nutritional strategies frequently applied in sports performance support. With growing research on this subject and high demand from athletes, nutritionists need to keep up to date with the latest evidence and utility of dietary supplements, particularly in real-world contexts. As information about the use of dietary supplements among elite soccer players is still scarce, this work aimed to know how nutritionists working with elite soccer teams perceive and use these substances in their daily practice. Methods A questionnaire previously used to describe nutritionists' beliefs and attitudes regarding the use of dietary supplements in a clinical context was adapted for this study. The online questionnaire was addressed to nutritionists working with elite soccer teams from six European Leagues and Brazil, between November 2022 and February 2023. Results Overall, the participants considered themselves well-trained (76.9%), knowledgeable (95.4%), and interested in dietary supplements (95.4%). The majority (70.8%) of the participants agreed or strongly agreed to recommend dietary supplements to soccer players. Personal usage of dietary supplements was associated with recommending supplements (p < 0.001), but no relationships were found with years of experience and academic level. Discussion Nutritionists working with elite soccer players consider the use of dietary supplements for performance-enhancement purposes and not only to compensate for nutritional deficits, which might contribute to their higher interest, training and perceived knowledge about this topic. Participants recognize players' interest in dietary supplements, and are mindful of the safety and efficacy of these products. The present study suggests that nutritionists working with elite soccer teams are among the highest prescribers of dietary supplements, although personal usage is lower than that of nutritionists working in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Abreu
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, FPF, Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto (FCNAUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina B. Oliveira
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, FPF, Oeiras, Portugal
- CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS, FCM, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Brito
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, FPF, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Vitor H. Teixeira
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto (FCNAUP), Porto, Portugal
- Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure, CIAFEL, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
- Futebol Clube do Porto SAD, Porto, Portugal
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Sebastiá-Rico J, Soriano JM, González-Gálvez N, Martínez-Sanz JM. Body Composition of Male Professional Soccer Players Using Different Measurement Methods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051160. [PMID: 36904159 PMCID: PMC10005265 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The performance of male soccer players (MSP) depends on multiple factors such as body composition. The physical demands of modern soccer have changed, so the ideal body composition (BC) requirements must be adapted to the present. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to describe the anthropometric, BC, and somatotype characteristics of professional MSP and to compare the values reported according to the methods and equations used. We systematically searched Embase, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science following the PRISMA statement. Random-effects meta-analysis, a pooled summary of means, and 95% CI (method or equation) were calculated. Random models were used with the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. Seventy-four articles were included in the systematic review and seventy-three in the meta-analysis. After comparing the groups according to the assessment method (kinanthropometry, bioimpedance, and densitometry), significant differences were found in height, fat mass in kilograms, fat mass percentage, and fat-free mass in kilograms (p = 0.001; p < 0.0001). Taking into account the equation used to calculate the fat mass percentage and ∑skinfolds, significant differences were observed in the data reported according to groups (p < 0.001). Despite the limitations, this study provides useful information that could help medical technical staff to properly assess the BC of professional MSP, providing a range of guidance values for the different BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Sebastiá-Rico
- Area of Nutrition, University Clinic of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Physiotherapy (CUNAFF), Lluís Alcanyís Foundation-University of Valencia, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Jose M. Soriano
- Food & Health Lab, Institute of Materials Science, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- Joint Research Unit of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics, University of Valencia-Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.S.); (N.G.-G.); Tel.: +34-627146613 (N.G.-G.)
| | - Noelia González-Gálvez
- Sports Injury Prevention Research Group, Faculty of Sport, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), 30107 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.S.); (N.G.-G.); Tel.: +34-627146613 (N.G.-G.)
| | - José Miguel Martínez-Sanz
- Food and Nutrition Research Group (ALINUT), University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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Dehydration, Wellness, and Training Demands of Professional Soccer Players during Preseason. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:8054449. [PMID: 36389116 PMCID: PMC9663222 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8054449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Our study is aimed at analyzing the relationships between water loss and a professional soccer team's internal and external training load throughout the first three months of a season, covering all the preseason and the first two months of the competitive season. Methods This study followed an observational analytic design. Twenty-seven athletes (age: 25.5 ± 4.1 years, height: 180.7 ± 8.2 cm, and body mass: 78.4 ± 8.7 kg) were included in the study, conducted over the first three months of the season. Players were weighed at the beginning and end of all training sessions to estimate fluid losses. They were asked to complete a wellness questionnaire and indicate the color of the first urine of the day upon their arrival at the practice session. Additionally, all sessions were monitored for locomotor demands. Results We found a positive correlation between urine color and sprint distance (r = 0.46, p = 0.01) and a positive correlation between dehydration and rating of perceived exertion (r = 0.44, p = 0.015), whereas a negative correlation between dehydration and number of acceleration (r = −0.39, p = 0.034). Conclusions Dehydration increased perceived physical exertion. Regularly monitoring training load and changes in body mass, as well as raising awareness about hydration, can contribute to cognitive and physical performance.
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Analysis of Recovery Methods' Efficacy Applied up to 72 Hours Postmatch in Professional Football: A Systematic Review With Graded Recommendations. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2022; 17:1326-1342. [PMID: 35961644 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep, nutrition, active recovery, cold-water immersion, and massage were recently reported as the most used postmatch recovery methods in professional football. However, the recommendations concerning the effect of these methods remain unclear. PURPOSE To systematically review the literature regarding the effectiveness of the most common recovery methods applied to male and female football players (or other team sports) 72 hours postmatches and to provide graded recommendations for their use. METHODS A systematic search of the literature was performed, and the level of evidence of randomized and nonrandomized studies was classified as 1 or 2, respectively, with additional ++, +, and - classification according to the quality of the study and risk of bias. Graded recommendations were provided regarding the effectiveness of recovery methods for physical, physiological, and perceptive variables. RESULTS From the 3472 articles identified, 39 met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The studies' levels of evidence varied among methods (sleep: 2+ to 1++; nutrition: 2- to 1+; cold-water immersion: 2- to 1++; active recovery: 2- to 1+; and massage: 1- to 1+). Different graded recommendations were attributed, and none of them favored the effective use of recovery methods for physiological and physical parameters, whereas massage and cold-water immersion were recommended as beneficial for perceptive variables. CONCLUSIONS Cold-water immersion and massage can be recommended to recover up to 72 hours postmatch at a perceptive level. However, there is a current need for high-quality research that identifies effective recovery strategies that enhance recovery at the physical and physiological levels.
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Danielik K, Książek A, Zagrodna A, Słowińska-Lisowska M. How Do Male Football Players Meet Dietary Recommendations? A Systematic Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159561. [PMID: 35954912 PMCID: PMC9368204 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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.
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