Diet composition and performance of female collegiate soccer players

Abstract

Optimal nutrition for soccer athletes facilitates adaptation to the metabolic and energy demands of training and competition. Limited data have examined habitual dietary practices of female players, especially at the intercollegiate level. The purpose of this investigation was: 1) To establish baseline dietary analysis, anthropometrics, and performance data; 2) To compare values between rigorous pre-season training (2 sessions/day) to that of the post-competitive season; and 3) To examine correlations between performance and nutritional parameters. Members of a NCAA, Division I soccer squad completed a 3-day diet record in combination with physical tests, including VO₂[], both pre- and post-season. No significant pre- to post differences were found for body weight or body fatness (62.0 ± 4.8 kg vs. 61.6 ± 4.7 kg; 16.4 ± 2.4% vs. 16.1 ± 2.8%). Total energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat intakes were significantly greater during the pre-season (2290 ± 312 kcal vs.1866 ± 530 kcal; 320 ± 70 g (55%) vs. 263 ± 71 g (57%); 86.5 ± 18.7 g (15%) vs. 58.2 ± 16.8 g (13%); 75.2 ± 3.3 g (29%) vs. 65.9 ± 28.7 g (31%)) compared to post-season. Pre-season energy intake met the RDA for moderate levels of activity (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 the minimum recommendations. Pre-season intakes of vitamin D, vitamin E, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, copper, and magnesium were marginal (<75% of the DRI). In addition, intakes of vitamin C, calcium, chromium, iron, zinc, and selenium were marginal post-season. VO₂[] significantly increased from pre- to post-season, but neither pre- nor post-season values were correlated to dietary intake. In conclusion, female soccer players appear to meet caloric needs during periods of training, but fail to meet minimum CHO and micronutrient recommendations. Foods higher in protein and fat, in addition to foods with low nutrient value may displace CHO-rich and nutrient-dense foods within athletes' energy requirements and satiety limits. Sport nutrition counseling may benefit female soccer athletes to enhance dietary practices, thus encouraging optimal intake of nutrients during periods of increased and decreased food intake.