Evaluation of nutritional intake and dietary habits in football referees

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2006

Authors

Gonçalves, Liliana (Author) FCNAUP; Meneses, Tiago (Author) FCNAUP; Teixeira, Vítor Hugo (Author) FCNAUP

Journal

Title: Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Vol. 106 No. 8

Pages: A22-A22

ISSN: 0002-8223

Publisher: Elsevier B.V.

Scientific classification

FOS: Medical and Health sciences > Health sciences

Other information

Abstract (EN): Soccer is a very demanding activity, not only to soccer players but also to referees, who have to occupy the better field position in order to have a correct judgment of the match. Although there are various studies about nutritional evaluation in soccer players, scientific literature neglects the referee role as an athlete, which is verified in lack of studies in this population. In our study, referees (n=23) completed a 7-day dietary record and the results showed that there were no differences between main and assistant referees. Energetic intake was 2813 ± 287 kcal/day with a contribution of 18.5%, 44.5% and 34.4% from protein, carbohydrate and fat, respectively. Carbohydrate (4.1 . g kg1 . day1), fiber and water intakes were low. Dietary assessment showed excessive sugar (18.6% energy), cholesterol (449 mg) and sodium (2790 mg) intakes. Participants had a probably inadequate intake of vitamin E (40% RDA) and folate (71.5% RDA) and a possibly inadequate intake of vitamin A (76.8% RDA), calcium (96.5% AI), potassium (79.7% AI) and magnesium (94.3% RDA). On average, athletes reported eating on ~5 separate occasions each day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were the main contributors to the energetic intake (14.1%, 31.1% and 35.0%, respectively). The out meals (lunch and dinner) had a higher energy, fat, saturated fat and water intakes and lower intake of sugars and polyunsaturated fats. This population showed more concern in competition than in training days, especially, in preparation and recuperation periods. Dietary education could improve referees performance but also promote healthy dietary practices.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific