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Frazer R, Bowler AL, Condo D, Cox G, Pelly F, Slater G. Commonly Used Indicators of Low Energy Availability Risk Fail to Identify Female Amateur Soccer Players With Measured Low Energy Availability During Preseason. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2024; 34:387-396. [PMID: 39209286 DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2024-0002] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine energy availability (EA) and within-day energy balance (WDEB) in female soccer players during preseason and also explored eating disorder risk and athlete food choice. We hypothesized commonly used indicators of low energy availability (LEA) risk would correlate with measured EA and WDEB variables, and that food choice determinants would differ according to EA. Eleven National Premier League female soccer players participated in this observational cross-sectional study over 3 weeks. Assessment of resting metabolic rate and physique traits, including bone mineral density, was conducted during Weeks 1 or 3. During Week 2, dietary intake, energy expenditure, and continuous monitor-derived glucose were measured for 5 days. EA was calculated daily and WDEB calculated hourly with deficits/surpluses carried continuously. Questionnaires were administered throughout the 3 weeks, including the Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire, the Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes, and the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire. Resting metabolic rate ratio, bone mineral density, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, and Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes scores were used as indicators of LEA risk. EA averaged 30.7 ± 7.5 kcals·kg fat-free mass-1·day-1. Approximately one-third (36%) of athletes were at risk of an eating disorder, while approximately half (45%) were identified at risk of the female athlete triad via Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire, compared with approximately one-third (36%) of athletes identified with EA < 30 kcal·kg fat-free mass-1·day-1. No athlete achieved EA >45 kcal·kg fat-free mass-1·day-1, and no indicator of LEA risk was associated with calculated EA or WDEB. However, overnight glycemic variability was positively correlated with measured EA (r = .722, p = .012).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Frazer
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Amy-Lee Bowler
- Faculty of Health Services and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Dominique Condo
- Centre for Sport Research, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
| | - Gregory Cox
- Faculty of Health Services and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
| | - Fiona Pelly
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Gary Slater
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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Molina-López J, Pérez AB, Gamarra-Morales Y, Vázquez-Lorente H, Herrera-Quintana L, Sánchez-Oliver AJ, Planells E. Prevalence of sports supplements consumption and its association with food choices among female elite football players. Nutrition 2024; 118:112239. [PMID: 38071936 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2023.112239] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to 1) investigate the consumption of Sports Supplements (SSs) among female elite football players, 2) evaluate the influence of age on SS consumption, and 3) determine the relationship between the consumption of SSs and dietary choices among elite football players. METHODS A total of 126 female football players of Primera Iberdrola and Reto Iberdrola who participated in this descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study completed a self-administered questionnaire on SSs and the Athletes' Food Choices Questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 84.1% of participants consumed supplements, mainly for improved sports performance (68.3%) and health (34.1%). The main sources of purchase were the Internet (34.9%) and specialized shops (23.8%), and players were commonly advised by a dietitian-nutritionist to use SSs (56.3%). The SSs most often consumed included whey protein (30.2%), sports drinks (28.6%), creatine monohydrate (28.6%), sports bars (27.8%), and caffeine (27.8%). Older players consumed more supplements at the time of data compilation. Players predominantly acquired these supplements by using the Internet and reported benefits from their use (all P ≤ 0.036). Additionally, players who consumed SSs conveyed more concern about their food choices. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of female football players consumed SSs, particularly SSs supported by robust scientific evidence. Older players had higher supplement consumption rates. The use of SSs was related to food choices through nutritional characteristics of foods, knowledge about health and nutrition, weight control with the help of food, and the performance benefits players could acquire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Molina-López
- Faculty of Education, Psychology, and Sports Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain; Department of Physiology, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix," University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Andrea Baena Pérez
- Faculty of Education, Psychology, and Sports Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | | | - Héctor Vázquez-Lorente
- Department of Physiology, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix," University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Lourdes Herrera-Quintana
- Department of Physiology, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix," University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Elena Planells
- Department of Physiology, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "José Mataix," University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Sevim Y, Thurecht RL, Pelly FE. Validation of a Turkish Version of the Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire. Nutrients 2023; 15:3612. [PMID: 37630802 PMCID: PMC10459268 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163612] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There are multiple influences on food choice for athletes. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of a Turkish Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire (Turkish-AFCQ) and describe the main factors influencing food choices. A multi-step process of language and content validation, Explanatory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and test-retest reliability were used to examine factorial structure and construct validity (convergent and discriminant) and reliability (internal and external). The translated Turkish-AFCQ was administered to 446 athletes (59% male, median age = 21 years) from a variety of sports. The original nine-factor structure was validated, external reliability was acceptable, and all factors achieved acceptable discriminate validity. Convergent validity and internal reliability received tenable-ideal ratings for seven and eight factors, respectively. Interpretation and future application are discussed for low-performing factors 'food and health awareness' and 'influence of others'. The factor most frequently (never 1-always 5) influencing choices was 'performance' (Md = 4.33) and the least was both the 'influence of others' and 'food values and beliefs' (Md = 2.67). The Turkish-AFCQ can be used to expand researchers' and practitioners' understanding of the relative influence multiple factors have on food choices, and this study provides a model for AFCQ linguistic translation and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonca Sevim
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Science, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul 34353, Türkiye
| | - Rachael L. Thurecht
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast 4556, Australia;
| | - Fiona E. Pelly
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast 4556, Australia;
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Solly H, Badenhorst CE, McCauley M, Slater GJ, Gifford JA, Erueti B, Beck KL. Athlete Preferences for Nutrition Education: Development of and Findings from a Quantitative Survey. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112519. [PMID: 37299484 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112519] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutrition education (NE) is one of several strategies aimed at enhancing the dietary intake of athletes. This study investigated NE preferences of New Zealand and Australian athletes competing nationally and internationally. Athletes (n = 124, 22 (18, 27) years, female 54.8%) from 22 sports completed an online survey, with responses analysed using descriptive statistics. Teaching techniques considered 'extremely effective' were life examples (47.6% of athletes), hands-on activities (30.6%), and discussions with a facilitator (30.6%). Setting personal nutrition goals was important to most athletes (83.9%), along with two-way feedback with a facilitator (75.0%). General nutrition topics considered 'essential' were energy requirements (52.9%), hydration (52.9%), and nutrient deficiencies (43.3%). Performance topics considered 'essential' were recovery (58.1%), pre-exercise nutrition (51.6%), nutrition during exercise (50.0%), and energy requirements for training (49.2%). Athletes preferred a 'combination of in-person group and one-on-one sessions' (25% of athletes), 'one-on one sessions' (19.2%) and 'in-person group sessions' (18.3%), with only 13.3% interested in 'exclusively online delivery'. Sessions of 31-60 min (61.3% of athletes) held monthly (37.5%) and undertaken with athletes of the same sporting calibre (61.3%) were favoured by the participants. The preferred facilitator was a performance dietitian or nutritionist (82.1% of athletes), who had knowledge of the sport (85.5%), experience in sports nutrition (76.6%), and credibility (73.4%). This research provides novel insights into the factors that need to be considered when designing and implementing nutrition education for athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Solly
- School of Sport Exercise and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - Claire E Badenhorst
- School of Sport Exercise and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - Matson McCauley
- School of Sport Exercise and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - Gary J Slater
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
- Australian Institute of Sport, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Janelle A Gifford
- Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Bevan Erueti
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Massey University, Palmerston North 4472, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn L Beck
- School of Sport Exercise and Nutrition, College of Health, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
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Thurecht RL, Pelly FE, Burkhart S. Reliability of the Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire in Diverse Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9981. [PMID: 36011616 PMCID: PMC9407750 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the factors that influence an athletes' food choice is important to supporting optimal dietary intake. The Athlete Food Choice Questionnaire (AFCQ) is a new validated tool for assisting practitioners and researchers to understand athlete eating behaviours. However, the AFCQ previously has only been applied at international competition events. This observational study explored the online application of the AFCQ outside of the competition environment with detailed examination of factor reliability. The AFCQ factors include 'nutritional attributes of the food', 'emotional influences', 'food and health awareness', 'influence of others', 'usual eating practices', 'weight control', 'food values and beliefs', 'sensory appeal', and 'performance'. A total of 131 athletes, representing 19 countries and 36 sports, participated using an online questionnaire. Reliability via Cronbach's alpha (α) and item correlation scores were compared to those from previous competition events. Acceptable reliability was attained for seven of the nine factors (α ≥ 0.7, range 0.70-0.92). 'Food values and beliefs' and 'usual eating practices' (α = 0.60, 0.64) were tolerable and consistent against previous major competition samples, indicating that the setting is unlikely responsible for lower reliability scores. Three factors ('emotional influence'; 'nutritional attributes of the food'; 'influence of others') differed in reliability between the online sample compared to one or both major competition samples. The 'religious food beliefs' item within the 'food values and beliefs' factor may warrant removal due to recurrent low internal consistency. This study confirms the AFCQ's reliability regardless of competition phase and supports use of the AFCQ for understanding the eating behaviours of athletes.
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Pelly FE, Thurecht RL, Slater G. Determinants of Food Choice in Athletes: A Systematic Scoping Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:77. [PMID: 35689741 PMCID: PMC9188630 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00461-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The individual determinants of food choice have been extensively investigated in the general population, but there have been limited studies in athletes. A better understanding of the food making decisions can help to target interventions that lead to optimal intake for athletes' health and performance. A scoping review will provide an understanding of the sports and settings that have been investigated, the methods and approaches to assessing food choice, as well as the factors influencing food choice. OBJECTIVE The objective of this review was to map the available evidence on the multi-faceted determinants of food choice in athletes and describe key influences impacting their choices. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Athletes 16 years and over from any country who engage in physical activity with the intent to be competitive. Studies were included if they reported the multi-faceted determinants of food choice as either a primary or secondary outcome. All study designs were considered. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE This review followed the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews. Eleven databases including PubMed, Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), SPORTDiscus (EBSCO), PsycNET (APA), Health Collection (Informit), CINAHL (EBSCO), the Cochrane Library, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, Trove (National Library of Australia), JBI (Ovid), and Google scholar were searched between September-November 2020 and updated in March 2021. Charting of Data Search results were screened with selected studies extracted into a summary table established a priori by the authors. Study quality was assessed using standardised reporting tools for qualitative and quantitative research designs. The scope and quality of evidence was summarised and reported. RESULTS A total of 15 studies were included. Qualitative research included one research thesis and six primary research studies using both focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative research included one research thesis and seven primary research studies with cross-sectional design using different validated and non-validated survey instruments. No longitudinal or intervention studies were found. The majority of studies have been published since 2018 and conducted across multiple countries with either mixed cohorts of athletes or focused on predominately endurance or team sports. The quality of reporting was variable, particularly for qualitative research. Outcomes suggested that performance and health were relevant to athlete food choice, with varying impact of competition season, the level of experience, the culture of the sport, the cultural background or nationality of the athlete, athlete sex and the food environment. CONCLUSION More research is needed on the multi-faceted determinants of food choice in different cohorts of athletes, particularly females. Future research could explore the relationship between food choice, nutrition knowledge and diet quality or the change in food choice across the phase of the seasons and through injury and illness. Use of validated measurement tools and robust reporting will enable critical interpretation of the study methods and outcomes for use in practice. Registration OSF Registries: Open-ended registration 25th Sept 2020 https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/4PX2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona E Pelly
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.
| | - Rachael L Thurecht
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
| | - Gary Slater
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia
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