Dietary and performance assessment of elite soccer players during a period of intense training

This study examined the nutritional and performance status of elite soccer players during intense training. Eight male players (age 17 +/- 2 years) of the Puerto Rican Olympic Team recorded daily activities and food intake over 12 days. Daily energy expenditure was 3,833 +/- 571 (SD) kcal, and energy intake was 3,952 +/- 1,071 kcal, of which 53.2 +/- 6.2% (8.3 g . kg BW-1) was from carbohydrates (CHO), 32.4 +/- 4.0% from fat, and 14.3 +/- 2.3% from protein. With the exception of calcium, all micronutrients examined were in accordance with dietary guidelines. Body fat was 7.6 +/- 1.1% of body weight. Time to completion of three runs of the soccer-specific test was 37.65 +/- 0.62 s, and peak torques of the knee flexors and extensors at 60 degrees . s(-1) were 139 +/- 6 and 225 +/- 9 N . m, respectively. Players' absolute amounts of CHO seemed to be above the minimum recommended intake to maximize glycogen storage, but calcium intakes were below recommended. Their body fat was unremarkable, and they had a comparatively good capacity to endure repeated bouts of intense soccer-specific exercise and to exert force with their knee extensors and flexors.