Pre- and post-season dietary intake, body composition, and performance indices of NCAA Division I female soccer players

Little published data describe the dietary and physiological profiles of intercol-legiate female soccer players; therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to report baseline dietary data, anthropometrics, and performance indices of soc-cer women during rigorous pre-season training (2 sessions/day) and then dur-ing the post-competitive season. Members of a NCAA Division I women’s soccer squad completed 3-day diet records, anthropometrics, and physical tests, including VO2peak. Average body mass was 62 kg with 16 % body fat, and no significant pre to post differences were observed. Total energy, carbohydrate (CHO), protein, and fat intakes were significantly greater during the pre-sea-son. Pre-season energy intake met the DRI for females with an “active ” lifestyle (37 kcal/kg). While CHO intake failed to meet minimum recommendations to promote glycogen repletion (7–10 g/kg), protein and fat intakes were above minimum recommendations. Pre- and post-season intakes of several micronu-trients were marginal (<75 % of the DRI) including vitamin E, folate, copper, and magnesium. VO2peak significantly improved from pre- to post-season (4