Nutritional Status, Hemoglobin Levels, and Cardiorespiratory Endurance of Male Football Players in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Soccer is a team sport with a high energy and aerobic capacity requirement to sustain alertness and stamina within the stipulated period of play and training. The study aimed at examining the effect of nutrient intake, nutritional status, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels on the cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) of footballers in the Volta Region of Ghana. METHODS: Male soccer players (n = 194) from clubs in the Volta Region of Ghana were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake was determined using multiple 24-h recall, Hb levels by use of HemoCue, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) by Cooper test 12 min run. Descriptive, multiple regression, Pearson’s correlation, and independent samples t-test were performed on the data obtained using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Football players of mean age 18.6 ± 4.9 years had an average energy intake of 1374.9 ± 532.6 kcal/day with a deficit of about 1481 kcal/day. Anemia prevalence was 13.5%, and there was a positive correlation (r = 0.411, P < 0.001) between dietary iron and CRE. Calories consumed significantly predicted the VO2 max (F [1, 74] =16.360, P < 0.001) of football players. There was no significant difference in the VO2 max values among the various age groups. About 65% of players had a “very low” to “fair” VO2 max, and 30.4% and 3.8% of the players had “good” and “excellent” levels of VO2 max, respectively. CONCLUSION: The overall energy intake of football players in Ghana was associated with dietary iron intake, Hb levels, and CRE, but not enough to meet dietary requirements, support optimal health, and enhance athletic performance.