Assessment of Diet and Nutritional Status of Young Venezuelan Soccer Players

Abstract

Introduction: Nutrition is considered a vital part of the performance and recovery of athletes, and for adolescent soccer players, it is doubly important as they are going through a period of physical development and growth. Objective: To determine the nutritional status and diet quality of soccer players aged 12 to 17, in order to generate tools for nutritional assistance, care, and education based on local technical information that positively impacts sports performance. Methodology: Anthropometric evaluation was conducted using body mass index, while diet quality was assessed using 24-hour recall, qualitative frequency of consumption, and food diversity scoring methods, in a sample of 414 soccer players (328 males, 86 females). Results: Statistical significance was found for anthropometric normality, which reached 77.5% of the general sample, 19.5% of males were underweight and 33.7% of females were overweight. The quality of the diet was very poor for all participants, although females showed a caloric intake more aligned with acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges for the Venezuelan population. Conclusions: Overall, carbohydrate intake levels are below requirements, protein intake is significantly above requirements, and the quality of fats consumed is poor. It is necessary to reduce the intake of meats, dairy products, and processed food, and to increase the intake of fruits, legumes, tubers, pulses, and seeds, in that way providing the necessary nutrients to enhance sports performance, growth, development, and long-term healthy living.