Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Evaluation of Blood Lactate and Plasma Insulin During High-intensity Exercise by Antecubital Vein Catheterization
Published on: May 18, 2018
Sports Nutrition Knowledge and Carbohydrate Intake in Young Male Elite Football Players: Insights from a Case Study
Marta Tomljanovic1, Ana Kezic1, Mario Tomljanovic1
1Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Abstract:
Background: Proper nutrition is crucial for optimizing performance and recovery in elite young football players. This study aimed to assess sports nutrition knowledge, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), and carbohydrate intake across different training phases, evaluating their relations with match performance. Methods: Thirty-three male HNK Hajduk academy players (15-19 years) completed a nutrition questionnaire and a seven-day food diary, while performance metrics were analyzed using GPS tracking. Results: The results showed that sports nutrition knowledge was generally low (43.0 ± 17.0%), with significant misconceptions about carbohydrate fueling strategies. Players significantly overestimated their MD adherence, with a self-reported KIDMED index (6.06 ± 2.41) notably higher than the corrected score derived from food diaries (4.21 ± 2.53, p < 0.001). Carbohydrate intake was suboptimal on match-related days (3.64 g/kg on match day, 4.45 g/kg on the day before), failing to meet the recommended minimum of 6 g/kg per day. Regression analysis predicted that energy (β = 0.83; p = 0.02) and carbohydrate intake (β = 0.69; p = 0.03) on match day significantly predicted distance covered per minute, with a positive relationship observed for both outcomes, highlighting its impact on endurance. However, no significant relationship was found between carbohydrate intake and maximum sprint speed. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for structured nutrition education within football academies to enhance players' dietary habits and performance outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal interventions to assess how improved nutrition knowledge influences dietary adherence and athletic performance over time. Although knowledge of sports nutrition is fundamental, practical training and education to improve dietary competencies are crucial for athletes to effectively apply this knowledge in daily training and match preparations.
More Related Videos
06:52An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field
Published on: May 26, 2020
10:08Effects of a Novel Neuromuscular Training Intervention on Jump, Sprint, and Change of Direction in Adult Female Soccer Players
Published on: June 10, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Introduction to Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...
Carbohydrates: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Carbohydrate Absorption
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...