Mark Russel and Anthony Pennock (United Kingdom) did an interesting study regarding the "Dietary Analysis of Young Professional Soccer Players for 1 Week During the Competitive Season".
They discuss the idea that many soccer players, youth players in this study, do not fulfill their dietary requirements especially when partaking in such a strenuous workout regimen with soccer games and practices every week.
The study monitored the diets of some young soccer players (average age: 17) and broke down their nutritional intake on a macronutrient level (proteins, fats, carbohydrates). Their caloric expenditures were also calculated based on basal metabolic rates of the teens as well as the thermic effect of their foods.
Long story short, the study concluded that these soccer players that were studied were competing and living their day to day lives in a calorie deficit of about 750 calories a day. Not only that, but their carbohydrate consumption was not meeting their daily recommend levels for individuals of their level of activity which should be anywhere from 60-70% of their daily caloric intake.
For the most part, these athletes were maintaining their daily recommended micronutrient levels (vitamins and minerals) but seemed to be falling short on carbohydrate levels.
Especially for a sport such as soccer, but also applying to other such high-intense athletic events, recommended nutritional levels should be met (or as close as possible) on a micro and macro scale to ensure proper recovery and performance.
Often times, individuals who set out to live a healthy lifestyle may base their diet and/or exercise regimen around looking good and potentially even feeling good. Such individuals need to make sure they focus on meeting their recommended nutritional values, however, to ensure proper growth and recovery of their bodily tissues.
When it comes to athletic performance, as was shown in this study highlights the importance of individuals, athletes in particular, to reach their macronutrient levels to ensure that they are reaching their maximum athletic potential.
-Tyler Robbins
B.Sc. PTS
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