Body Composition Changes in Male and Female Elite Soccer Players: Effects of a Nutritional Program Led by a Sport Nutritionist

Abstract

Background: Soccer is a game in constant evolution and the intensity of play is increasing. Nutrition can play a role in the physical performance of elite players, maintaining their health and facilitating recovery. It is important to cover players’ energy demands, and low energy availability may therefore result in impaired performance. This study aimed to evaluate alterations in body composition to determine the effects of a nutritional program led by a sport nutritionist. Methods: A group of 88 elite soccer players from a Serie A club in Italy (44 males aged 26.5 ± 3.0 years and 44 females aged 27.1 ± 5.2 years) were enrolled. To evaluate changes in body composition, bioimpedance and anthropometric measurements were obtained following the protocol of the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Results: Compared with females, males had more muscle mass and less fat mass in both seasons evaluated. Comparing the first and last seasons, the male soccer players showed increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass while the female soccer players only showed decreased fat mass. Conclusions: The presence of a specialist sport nutritionist on the staff of professional soccer clubs could be important to ensure energy availability and evaluate body composition during the season.