(ABSTRACT) Dietary and nutritional intake among professional soccer players in Saudi Arabia

  • SO Aljaloud
  • , Heather Colleran
  • , Salam A Ibrahim

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

653Dietary and Nutritional Intake among Professional Soccer Players in Saudi Arabia. S. O. Aljaloud, Collegeof Sport Sciences and Physical Activity, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and H. Colleran and S. A.Ibrahim*, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University,Greensboro, NC 27411.The objective of this study was to assess the frequency and quantity of nutritional intake by professionalSaudi soccer players. The survey was divided into four categories: use of nutritional intake, reason for nutritionalintake, personal beliefs about nutritional intake, and behavior. Questionnaires were given to players from fourprofessional soccer teams residing in Saudi Arabia: Club A was from Riyadh, Club B and C were from Jeddah, andClub D was from Dammam. The results showed that the mean energy intake for the teams was: Club A 3855 kcal/day, Club B 3690 kcal/day, Club C 3533 kcal/day, and Club D 3421 kcal/day. No significant differences in proteinand fat intake were identified among players from the four teams. In addition, the investigation revealed that a highpercentage of athletes (96%) used different supplements during the season; where 41.67% (n=60) reported that theyused supplements to improve performance, and 30.56% (n = 44) used supplements for better health. A total of n=109(75.69%), n=110 (76.39%), and n=94 (68.06%) athletes consumed sports drinks, buffered vitamin C, and calcium,respectively. However, only n=41 (28.47%) used vitamin E-complex. A majority of athletes indicated that their use ofsupplements was for the purpose of improving health and athletic performance. Based on this study, it is recommendedthat soccer players receive education about nutrition at an early stage in order to promote healthier dietary practicesthat would, in turn, help to enhance the athletes’ performance and careers as professionals.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnknown book
Pages318
StatePublished - 2019

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