Abstract
BackgroundSoccer is a form of exercise that induces inflammatory response, as well as an increase in free radicals potentially leading to muscle injury. Balanced nutritional intake provides important antioxidant vitamins, including vitamins A, C and E, which may assist in preventing exercise-related muscle damage. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of macro/micronutrient intake on markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, inflammatory and immune response in female soccer players.MethodsTwenty-eight female players belonging to two soccer teams of the same professional soccer club participated in this study after being informed about the aims and procedures and after delivering written consent. Each team completed an 8-day dietary record and played one competition match the same week. Participants were divided into two groups: the REC group (who complied with recommended intakes) and the NO-REC group (who were not compliant). Laboratory blood tests were carried out to determine hematological, electrolytic and hormonal variables, as well as to monitor markers of cell damage and oxidative stress. Blood samples were obtained 24 h before, immediately after and 18 h after official soccer matches. Student t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare both groups throughout the match.ResultsAt rest, we observed that the REC group had higher levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lower levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in comparison to the NO-REC group. Immediately after the match, levels of TAS, GPx, superoxide dismutase (SOD), LDH and % lymphocytes were higher and the % of neutrophils were lower in the REC group compared to the NO-REC group. These differences were also maintained 18 h post-match, only for TAS and GPx.ConclusionsOur data reveal an association between nutritional intake and muscle damage, oxidative stress, immunity and inflammation markers. The benefit of the intake of specific nutrients may contribute to preventing the undesirable physiological effects provoked by soccer matches.
Highlights
Soccer is a form of exercise that induces inflammatory response, as well as an increase in free radicals potentially leading to muscle injury
The rest of ingested micronutrients were found to comply with the Recommended Dietary Intakes (DRI)
Nutritional intake vs. Blood parameters Regarding the relationship between the intake of different nutrients and the blood parameters measured for the soccer matches, we only present those findings which were statistically significant
Summary
Soccer is a form of exercise that induces inflammatory response, as well as an increase in free radicals potentially leading to muscle injury. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of macro/micronutrient intake on markers of oxidative stress, muscle damage, inflammatory and immune response in female soccer players. Many studies have examined the physiological alterations that occur in the body following a soccer match These effects depend on the exercise intensity of the match and the playing position of each player. This physical exercise has been considered by some as a muscle-damaging exercise [1] due to the important alterations in some biochemical parameters which are surrogate markers of skeletal muscle damage or injury. Oxidative stress may be involved in the aging process, cell damage, various pathologies, muscular fatigue, and overtraining ( inadequate recovery) [4]
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