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Nutritional intake evolution in adolescent sporting boys over the last two decades
S Van Biervliet1, J P Van Biervliet, J De Neve
1Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium. stephanie.vanbiervliet@ugent.be
Acta Clinica Belgica
|September 24, 2011
Summary
Elite male soccer players show improved nutrition over 20 years, with lower fat and higher carbohydrate intake. However, decreased energy intake without changes in body mass index may indicate reduced physical activity in these young athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Nutrition
- Human Physiology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Nutritional habits of elite athletes significantly impact performance and health.
- Understanding long-term dietary trends in young soccer players is crucial for optimizing training and development.
- The study focuses on elite male soccer players within a national league context.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze nutritional trends in young elite male soccer players over two decades.
- To assess changes in dietary intake, body composition, and adherence to recommendations.
- To identify potential correlations between dietary shifts and physical activity levels.
Main Methods:
- Dietary habit surveys conducted annually since 1983 by registered dieticians.
- Inclusion of 3-day food and fluid intake recordings (training, match, off-day) by players and parents.
- Calculation of nutrient intake using Becel Institute Nutrition Software (BINS).
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in energy intake per square meter was observed over 20 years.
- Body mass index remained stable, indicating no significant changes in body composition.
- Dietary content shifted towards recommended intakes, with dramatic reductions in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and an increase in carbohydrate intake.
Conclusions:
- Positive evolution in dietary composition towards recommended intakes observed in elite male soccer players.
- Decreased caloric intake without impact on body mass index suggests a potential reduction in physical activity compared to two decades prior.
- Further investigation into physical activity levels is warranted to fully interpret the observed nutritional trends.
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