Dietary Patterns and Nutrition Intake Among Elite Adolescent and Young Adult Soccer Athletes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the energy, macronutrient, fiber, and food group intake (including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, protein foods, dairy, and dietary fat) of male and female adolescent and female collegiate soccer athletes and assess how intake levels align with current sports-specific recommendations. A secondary aim was to evaluate differences in the relative intakes of energy, macronutrient, and food groups between male and female middle school soccer athletes and between middle school and collegiate soccer players. A total of 29 male (n = 11) and female (n = 7) adolescent soccer athletes (M = 12.4y + 0.1, F= 12.3y + 0.2) and female collegiate athletes (n = 7) completed a web-based nutrition screening survey (NSS). The middle school athletes also completed anthropometric measurements (i.e. height, weight, and body composition) and a second NSS assessment. Independent samples t-tests were used to assess differences in the intake of energy, macronutrient, and food groups (including fiber, grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy) between male and female adolescents and adolescent compared to collegiate soccer athletes. The male-middle school soccer athletes met the recommended daily intake for energy while male and female middle-school soccer athletes met the daily recommended intake for carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber (female middle-school only). Male middle-school soccer athletes consumed significantly more calories, protein, and fat than the female middle-school soccer athletes. Collegiate soccer athletes consumed more calories, carbohydrates, and protein, but consumed less fat and less fiber than middle school athletes. All soccer players failed to meet the recommended intake values for dairy. Female middle school and collegiate soccer athletes additionally reported below recommended intakes of grains, fruit, and vegetables (collegiate only). Results suggest that subgroups of competitive soccer athletes are at risk of consuming low intakes of energy, macronutrient, and food groups (dairy, grains, fruits). These findings can guide future nutrition interventions and research among soccer athletes