Abstract
Nutrition education is one of the factors that may help to promote behavior change and therefore may improve the dietary habits of adolescent soccer players. However, information about the relationship between nutrition knowledge (NK) and the dietary behavior of these athletes is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eating habits of adolescent soccer players and analyse the correlations among dietary intake and NK. Seventy-three Brazilian adolescent soccer players (aged 14–19 years), from four professional clubs, underwent anthropometric evaluation and completed 3-day food records. Misreporting of energy intake was evaluated and the dietary intake data were energy-adjusted and compared with recommendations for athletes and dietary reference intakes. The athletes also answered a questionnaire about barriers for healthy eating and a nutrition knowledge test divided into three sections: Basic Nutrition Knowledge (BNK), Sports Nutrition Knowledge (SNK), and Food Pyramid Nutrition Knowledge (FPNK). The participants showed a low NK (54.6%) and an inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy, carbohydrates, and micronutrients. A positive correlation was found between the ingestion of phosphorus and FPNK as well as among calcium and both SNK and Total NK (p < 0.05). Sodium intake was negatively correlated with all categories of the NK test (p < 0.05). The adolescents reported that the principal barriers for adopting a healthy diet were the lack of willpower and a busy lifestyle. In this context, nutrition education is recommended and should also provide practicable healthy eating goals according to athletes´ lifestyle as well as target motivational barriers to increase adherence.
Highlights
Nutrition is an important component contributing to the health and athletic performance of adolescent soccer players.e repeated high-intensity exercises such as running, brief sprints, tackling, and jumping activities can deplete fuel reserves, resulting in fatigue and reduced soccer performance [1]
Garcıa-Roves et al [4] published the first systematic review about nutritional correlates of soccer players, which highlighted the need for further research in this area. e authors stated that there was little information about the intake food groups and related behaviors that accounted for the inadequate nutrient intake observed
nutritional knowledge (NK) levels are typically reported, Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism only a few studies analysed the relationship between NK and dietary intake in young athletes [5, 7]. is analysis is relevant since teenagers have lower nutrition knowledge than adults and, apparently, lack interest in nutrition [7]
Summary
Nutrition is an important component contributing to the health and athletic performance of adolescent soccer players.e repeated high-intensity exercises such as running, brief sprints, tackling, and jumping activities can deplete fuel reserves, resulting in fatigue and reduced soccer performance [1]. Studies have reported that athletes have misconceptions about nutrition and are poorly informed about dietary guidelines, which may negatively influence their food choices [5, 6]. NK levels are typically reported, Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism only a few studies analysed the relationship between NK and dietary intake in young athletes [5, 7]. Is analysis is relevant since teenagers have lower nutrition knowledge than adults and, apparently, lack interest in nutrition [7] This type of investigation may help to identify the benefits of improved NK and assist sport dietitians to better design nutrition education programs
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