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Roberts CJ, Gough LA. Contemporary Themes in Dietary Intake in Rugby Union Players: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:3011. [PMID: 39275326 PMCID: PMC11397367 DOI: 10.3390/nu16173011] [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: 08/02/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Rugby union is an intermittent team sport with variability in body composition and match-play demands between positions which requires careful consideration for individual dietary requirements. While previous reviews have detailed the macronutrient intake in rugby players, none have discussed the further determinants of dietary intake in this population. Therefore, the purpose of the current review was to summarise the current evidence detailing dietary intake in rugby union players, report on contemporary nutritional research themes, and provide recommendations for athletes, nutritionists, and other stakeholders. In total, eighteen articles report on dietary intake in rugby players, with only one of these detailing dietary intake in female athletes. Recent studies have reported on both protein and carbohydrate periodisation practices in rugby union players; however, there is currently limited evidence as to the influence of these on performance, recovery, and well-being. Factors influencing eating patterns, the impact of sports nutritionists on dietary intake, and food consumption in catered and non-catered environments has been explored in isolated studies. Nutrition knowledge levels in rugby players have been reported in several studies; however, the influence this has on dietary intake in rugby players is unknown. Collectively, despite new contemporary themes emerging in the literature concerning dietary intake in rugby players, the studies are isolated; as such, there is limited scope to the translatability of information due to heterogeneity in sex, level of play, and location of participants. Given this, future research should aim to build upon the themes identified in this review in combination to support practitioners working within their specific environments. This will subsequently build towards the generation of rugby-specific recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie J Roberts
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Science (CLaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
| | - Lewis A Gough
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Science (CLaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
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Souabni M, Del Sordo GC, Maso F, Peyrel P, Maviel C, Vercruyssen F, Duché P, Saidi O. Energy Balance and Dietary Intake in Young Rugby Players during a Pre-Season Micro-Cycle: A Cluster Analysis. Nutrients 2024; 16:2863. [PMID: 39275179 PMCID: PMC11397292 DOI: 10.3390/nu16172863] [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: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Rugby players must develop excellent levels of conditioning during adolescence. However, this pivotal period of life is also characterized by a surge in biological growth, which further increases the energy and nutritional requirements of this population. This study examined within-individual differences in energy intake (EI) and energy balance (EB) of 46 young rugby players during a pre-season micro-cycle. Two clusters were identified with significantly different characteristics and EB states, suggesting that young rugby players adjust their EI to match their body composition goals. The first cluster is characterized by players with a low body fat% (12.87 ± 2.53). They had a positive EB (330 ± 517 kcal), suggesting a goal of increasing muscle mass. Conversely, the second cluster is characterized by a higher body fat% (23.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.005) and reported a negative, lower EB (-683 ± 425 kcal, p < 0.005), suggesting a goal focused on reducing fat mass. Although our study provides more optimistic results than previous ones regarding the high risk of inadequate EI in young rugby players, we emphasize the importance of rigorous nutritional support, especially for players aiming to lose weight, to avoid severe caloric restriction, as well as the downstream effects of such practices on their nutritional status, given the higher risk of macro- (e.g., CHO < 6 g/kg/d) and micronutrient (e.g., iron < 11 mg/d, calcium < 1300 mg/d, vitamin D < 5 mg/d) deficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Souabni
- Laboratory Youth-Physical Activity and Sports-Health (J-AP2S), Toulon University, F-83041 Toulon, France
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Neurosciences, Physiology and Psychology: Physical Activity, Health and Learning (LINP2), UFR STAPS, Paris Nanterre University, F-92000 Nanterre, France
| | - Giovanna C Del Sordo
- Psychology Department, New Mexico State University, 1780 E University Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Freddy Maso
- Rugby Training Center of the Sportive Association Montferrandaise, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Paul Peyrel
- Department of Kinesiology, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Clément Maviel
- Laboratory Youth-Physical Activity and Sports-Health (J-AP2S), Toulon University, F-83041 Toulon, France
| | - Fabrice Vercruyssen
- Laboratory Youth-Physical Activity and Sports-Health (J-AP2S), Toulon University, F-83041 Toulon, France
| | - Pascale Duché
- Laboratory Youth-Physical Activity and Sports-Health (J-AP2S), Toulon University, F-83041 Toulon, France
| | - Oussama Saidi
- Laboratory Youth-Physical Activity and Sports-Health (J-AP2S), Toulon University, F-83041 Toulon, France
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Goldman DM, Warbeck CB, Karlsen MC. 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. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:186. [PMID: 39058077 PMCID: PMC11281145 DOI: 10.3390/sports12070186] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Rugby athletes consume large amounts of animal protein in accordance with conventional dietary guidance to increase muscle mass and strength. This misaligns with national dietary guidelines, which suggest limiting meat consumption for chronic disease prevention. The ability of completely plant-based diets to satisfy the nutritional needs of rugby players has not been explored. This study scaled nutrient data from a large population consuming completely plant-based diets with limited supplemental protein to meet the calorie requirements of adult male rugby athletes to assess whether protein and leucine recommendations for muscular development and athletic performance would be achieved. Calorie requirements were estimated from research that employed the doubly labeled water method, and dietary data from the Adventist Health Study-2 were scaled to this level. The modeled protein level was 1.68 g/kg/day, which meets recommendations for maximal gains in muscle mass, strength, and athletic performance. The modeled leucine level was 2.9 g/meal for four daily meals, which exceeds the threshold proposed to maximally stimulate muscle protein synthesis in young men. These results indicate that consuming large portions of completely plant-based meals can satisfy protein and leucine requirements for maximal muscular development and athletic performance in adult male rugby athletes while aligning with public health recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Goldman
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Research and Development, Metabite Inc., New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - Cassandra B. Warbeck
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Micaela C. Karlsen
- Department of Research, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Chesterfield, MO 63006, USA;
- Departments of Applied Nutrition and Global Public Health, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
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Anthony R, Jaffrey N, Byron C, Peoples GE, Macartney MJ. Omega-3 Status Evaluation in Australian Female Rugby League Athletes: Ad Libitum Fish Oil Provision Results in a Varied Omega-3 Index. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2024; 34:218-222. [PMID: 38648883 DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2023-0257] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Optimal omega-3 status, influenced by increased intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is vital for physiological health. This study investigated the impact of ad libitum fish oil supplementation on the omega-3 status of female athletes in a professional rugby league team during a competitive season. Twenty-four (n = 24) athletes participated, and their omega-3 status was assessed using the Omega-3 Index (O3I) and arachidonic acid (AA) to EPA ratio through finger-prick blood samples taken at the start and end of the season. They were given access to a fish oil supplement (PILLAR Performance, Australia) with a recommended daily dose of four capsules per day (2,160 mg EPA and 1,440 mg docosahexaenoic acid). At the beginning of the season, the group mean O3I was 4.77% (95% confidence interval [CI: 4.50, 5.04]) and the AA to EPA ratio was 14.89 (95% CI [13.22, 16.55]). None of the athletes had an O3I exceeding 8%. By the season's end, the O3I was a significantly increased to 7.28% (95% CI [6.64, 7.93], p < .0001) and AA to EPA ratio significantly decreased to a mean of 6.67 (95% CI [5.02, 8.31], p < .0001), driven primarily by the significant increase in EPA of +1.14% (95% CI [0.77, 1.51], p < .0001). However, these changes were varied between the athletes and most likely due to compliance. This study has demonstrated that using the objective O3I feedback scale is possible with elite female rugby athletes, but individual strategies will be required to achieve daily intake targets of EPA + DHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Anthony
- Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicola Jaffrey
- Sports Dietitian, St. George Illawarra Dragons, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Caitlin Byron
- Sports Dietitian, St. George Illawarra Dragons, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory E Peoples
- Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael J Macartney
- Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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López-Jiménez A, Morán-Fagúndez L, Sánchez-Sánchez AM, Fernández-Pachón MS. The associations between anthropometric characteristics and nutritional parameters in male elite rugby union players. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2023; 74:707-718. [PMID: 37604816 DOI: 10.1080/09637486.2023.2246699] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to analyse the associations between anthropometric characteristics and diet in male rugby players according to the playing position. A cross-sectional study was developed. The forwards had higher body weight (107 kg) and fat mass (FM; 12%) than the backs (87.8 kg and 8.47%, respectively) (p < 0.05). The quality of diet needs to improve (KIDMED value of 5.87 and 6.36 for forwards and backs, respectively). Nutritional imbalances, such as deficits in carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, and excess of fats, saturated fatty acid, cholesterol and sugars were found. Carbohydrates and proteins intake were significant associated (p < 0.05) with a minor FM. Forwards with a KIDMED index of less than 8 had a significantly higher FM than those who maintained an optimal diet (p < 0.05). The diet of rugby players should be more in line with dietary recommendations and take into account the player position to optimise sports performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián López-Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Área de Nutrición y Bromatología, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Luis Morán-Fagúndez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Área de Nutrición y Bromatología, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ana M Sánchez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Economía, Área de Estadística e Investigación Operativa, Métodos Cuantitativos e Historia Económica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María-Soledad Fernández-Pachón
- Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Área de Nutrición y Bromatología, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
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Posthumus L, Driller M, Darry K, Winwood P, Rollo I, Gill N. Dietary Intakes of Elite Male Professional Rugby Union Players in Catered and Non-Catered Environments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16242. [PMID: 36498314 PMCID: PMC9737971 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In professional rugby union, it is common for players to switch between catered and non-catered dietary environments throughout a season. However, little is known about the difference in dietary intake between these two settings. Twelve elite male professional rugby union players (28.3 ± 2.9 y, 188.9 ± 9.5 cm, 104.1 ± 13.3 kg) from the New Zealand Super Rugby Championship completed seven-day photographic food diaries with two-way communication during two seven-day competition weeks in both catered and non-catered environments. While no significant differences were observed in relative carbohydrate intake, mean seven-day absolute energy intakes (5210 ± 674 vs. 4341 ± 654 kcal·day-1), relative protein (2.8 ± 0.3 vs. 2.3 ± 0.3 g·kgBM·day-1) and relative fat (2.1 ± 0.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 g·kgBM·day-1) intakes were significantly higher in the catered compared to the non-catered environment (respectively) among forwards (n = 6). Backs (n = 6) presented non-significantly higher energy and macronutrient intakes within a catered compared to a non-catered environment. More similar dietary intakes were observed among backs regardless of the catering environment. Forwards may require more support and/or attention when transitioning between catered and non-catered environments to ensure that recommended dietary intakes are being achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Posthumus
- Faculty of Health, Education and Environment, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, The University of Waikato, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
- New Zealand Rugby, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
| | - Matthew Driller
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, Sport and Exercise Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | | | - Paul Winwood
- Faculty of Health, Education and Environment, Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand
- Department of Sport and Recreation, Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
| | - Ian Rollo
- Gatorade Sports Science Institute, PepsiCo Life Sciences, Global R&D, Leicestershire LE4 1ET, UK
| | - Nicholas Gill
- Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, The University of Waikato, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
- New Zealand Rugby, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
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Competition Nutrition Practices of Elite Male Professional Rugby Union Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105398. [PMID: 34070155 PMCID: PMC8158491 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Thirty-four elite male professional rugby union players from the New Zealand Super Rugby championship completed dietary intakes via the Snap-N-Send method during a seven-day competition week. Mean seven-day absolute energy intake was significantly higher for forwards (4606 ± 719 kcal·day−1) compared to backs (3761 ± 618 kcal·day−1; p < 0.01; d = 1.26). Forwards demonstrated significantly higher mean seven-day absolute macronutrient intakes compared to backs (p < 0.03; d = 0.86–1.58), but no significant differences were observed for mean seven-day relative carbohydrate (3.5 ± 0.8 vs. 3.7 ± 0.7 g·kg·day−1), protein (2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5 g·kg·day−1), and fat (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 1.8 ± 0.5 g·kg·day−1) intakes. Both forwards and backs reported their highest energy (5223 ± 864 vs. 4694 ± 784 kcal·day−1) and carbohydrate (4.4 ± 1.2 vs. 5.1 ± 1.0 g·kg·day−1) intakes on game day, with ≈62% of total calories being consumed prior to kick-off. Mean pre-game meal composition for all players was 1.4 ± 0.5 g·kg−1 carbohydrate, 0.8 ± 0.2 g·kg−1 protein, and 0.5 ± 0.2 g·kg−1 fat. Players fell short of daily sports nutrition guidelines for carbohydrate and appeared to “eat to intensity” by increasing or decreasing energy and carbohydrate intake based on the training load. Despite recommendations and continued education, many rugby players select what would be considered a “lower” carbohydrate intake. Although these intakes appear adequate to be a professional RU player, further research is required to determine optimal dietary intakes.
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The Physical Characteristics of Elite Female Rugby Union Players. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186457. [PMID: 32899817 PMCID: PMC7557873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study explored the anthropometric and body composition characteristics of elite female rugby union players, comparing between and within different playing positions. Thirty elite female rugby union players (25.6 ± 4.3 y, 171.3 ± 7.7 cm, 83.5 ± 13.9 kg) from New Zealand participated in this study. Physical characteristics were assessed using anthropometric (height, body mass, skinfolds) and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) measures. Forwards were significantly taller (p < 0.01; d = 1.34), heavier (p < 0.01; d = 2.19), and possessed greater skinfolds (p < 0.01; d = 1.02) than backs. Forwards also possessed significantly greater total (p < 0.01; d = 1.83–2.25) and regional (p < 0.01; d = 1.50–2.50) body composition measures compared to backs. Healthy bone mineral density values were observed in both forwards and backs, with significantly greater values observed at the arm (p < 0.01; d = 0.92) and femoral neck (p = 0.04; d = 0.77) sites for forwards. Tight-five players were significantly heavier (p = 0.02; d = 1.41) and possessed significantly greater skinfolds (p < 0.01; d = 0.97) than loose-forwards. Tight-five also possessed significantly greater total body composition measures (p < 0.05; d = 0.97–1.77) and significantly greater trunk lean mass (p = 0.04; d = 1.14), trunk fat mass (p < 0.01; d = 1.84), and arm fat mass (p = 0.02; d = 1.35) compared to loose-forwards. Specific programming and monitoring for forwards and backs, particularly within forward positional groups, appear important due to such physical characteristic differences.
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