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Nutrients
Special Issues
Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes
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Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Sports Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 July 2024 | Viewed by 14420

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lewis Anthony Gough

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Human Performance and Health Research Group, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
Interests: nutrition; ergogenic aids; physiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Athletes’ dietary practice can have a multitude of impacts on body composition, sporting performance, training adaptations, and health. If it is optimal, the aforementioned factors change favorably, and this determines whether they win or lose. Whilst this is generally accepted, 1) the impact of dietary intake on sport performance is poorly understood, and 2) research has suggested that athletes perform sub-optimal nutrition practice.

In response, in this Special Issue, we invite research papers that investigate athletes’ dietary practices and the impact this may on body composition and/or sports performance. Articles that also discuss interventions to modify dietary practice are of interest.

Dr. Lewis Anthony Gough
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • diet
  • health
  • body fat
  • muscle mass
  • macronutrients
  • micronutrients

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 683 KiB  
Article
Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) Indicators in Male Adolescent Endurance Athletes: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study
by Thomas Birkedal Stenqvist, Anna Katarina Melin and Monica Klungland Torstveit
Nutrients 2023, 15(24), 5086; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15245086 - 12 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1972
Abstract
Longitudinal measurements of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) among adolescent male elite athletes are lacking. We aimed to monitor REDs indicators and their possible impact on performance in elite high-school cross-country skiing and biathlon athletes (n = 13) (16.3 ± 0.4 [...] Read more.
Longitudinal measurements of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs) among adolescent male elite athletes are lacking. We aimed to monitor REDs indicators and their possible impact on performance in elite high-school cross-country skiing and biathlon athletes (n = 13) (16.3 ± 0.4 years, 179.4 ± 7.6 cm, 63.6 ± 8.2 kg body mass (BM), and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak): 61.5 ± 5.3 mL/kg BM/min) every 6 months for 3 years. Protocols included assessments of energy availability (EA), body composition and bone mineral density (BMD), resting metabolic rate (RMR), disordered eating behavior, exercise addiction, VO2peak, and muscle strength. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model. At baseline, 38% had low lumbar BMD (Z-score ≤ −1), and overall, bone health increased only slightly. VO2peak and muscle strength improved (p < 0.001), RMR decreased (p = 0.016), and no change was observed in EA or physiological or psychological REDs indicators. Conclusively, many of these young male athletes had poor bone health at baseline, and most either lost or did not achieve the expected pubertal bone mineral accrual, although no other indication of REDs was observed, while performance improved during the study period. Our findings highlight the importance of elite sports high schools focusing on screening for early detection of impaired bone health in male athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)
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15 pages, 1127 KiB  
Article
Under-Fuelling for the Work Required? Assessment of Dietary Practices and Physical Loading of Adolescent Female Soccer Players during an Intensive International Training and Game Schedule
by Samuel J. McHaffie, Carl Langan-Evans, Juliette A. Strauss, José L. Areta, Christopher Rosimus, Martin Evans, Ruth Waghorn and James P. Morton
Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4508; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214508 - 24 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1895
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrate that “under-fuelling” (i.e., reduced carbohydrate (CHO) and energy intake (EI) in relation to recommended guidelines) is prevalent within adult female soccer players, the consequence of which may have acute performance and chronic health implications. However, the dietary practices of adolescent [...] Read more.
Previous studies demonstrate that “under-fuelling” (i.e., reduced carbohydrate (CHO) and energy intake (EI) in relation to recommended guidelines) is prevalent within adult female soccer players, the consequence of which may have acute performance and chronic health implications. However, the dietary practices of adolescent female soccer players, a population who may be particularly at risk for the negative aspects of low energy availability (LEA), are not well documented. Accordingly, we aimed to quantify EI and CHO intake, physical loading and estimated energy availability (EA) in elite national team adolescent female soccer players (n = twenty-three; age, 17.9 ± 0.5 years) during a 10-day training and game schedule comprising two match days on day six (MDa) and nine (MDb). The players self-reported their EI via the remote food photography method, whilst the physical loading and associated exercise energy expenditure were assessed via GPS technology. The relative CHO intake was significantly greater (all p < 0.05) on the day before the first match (MD-1a) (4.1 ± 0.8 g·kg−1), on the day before the second match (MD-1b) (4.3 ± 1.1 g·kg−1), MDa (4.8 ± 1.2 g·kg−1) and MDb (4.8 ± 1.4 g·kg−1) in comparison to most other days (<4 g·kg−1). The mean daily measured EA over the 10-day period was 34 ± 12 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1 (with six players, i.e., 34%, presenting LEA), though, when adjusting the energy intake for potential under-reporting, these values changed substantially (44 ± 14 kcal·kg FFM−1·day−1, only one player was classed as presenting LEA). Such data suggest that the prevalence of LEA amongst female team sport athletes may be over-estimated. Nonetheless, players are still likely under-fuelling for the work required in relation to the daily CHO recommendations (i.e., >6 g·kg−1) for intensive training and game schedules. These data provide further evidence for the requirement to create and deliver targeted player and stakeholder education and behaviour change interventions (especially for younger athletes) that aim to promote increased daily CHO intake in female soccer players. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)
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15 pages, 2495 KiB  
Article
One Season in Professional Cycling Is Enough to Negatively Affect Bone Health
by Francisco Javier Martínez-Noguera, Pedro E. Alcaraz, Raquel Ortolano-Ríos and Cristian Marín-Pagán
Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163632 - 18 Aug 2023
Viewed by 2330
Abstract
Cycling is a very popular sport worldwide, and several studies have already indicated that cycling at various levels has a negative impact on bone health. This is of concern to both performance and health managers of many cycling teams at different levels because [...] Read more.
Cycling is a very popular sport worldwide, and several studies have already indicated that cycling at various levels has a negative impact on bone health. This is of concern to both performance and health managers of many cycling teams at different levels because of its economic and social impact. Based on the scientific literature, we hypothesize that a single season at the professional level can negatively affect bone health status. The aim of this study was to assess how professional cycling affects bone health markers after one season. Densitometry was used to measure the bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), T-score and Z-score in professional cyclists after one season. After one season at the professional level, cyclists’ BMD decreased significantly in the legs, trunk, ribs and pelvis (p ≤ 0.05). BMC decreased in the arms and spine (p ≤ 0.05). BA decreased significantly in the arms and spine (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, a significant decrease in Z-score (p ≤ 0.05) and a decreasing trend in T-score and total BMD (p = 0.06) were observed. One season of professional cycling is enough to negatively affect bone health status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)
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13 pages, 1055 KiB  
Article
Nutritional Supplement Use in a UK High-Performance Swimming Club
by Josh W. Newbury, S. Andy Sparks, Matthew Cole, Adam L. Kelly and Lewis A. Gough
Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3306; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153306 - 26 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1630
Abstract
The aim of this study was to observe the nutritional supplement practices of highly trained swimmers on a national talent pathway, since it is often reported that swimmers engage in widespread supplement use at the elite level. Thus, this study employed a validated [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to observe the nutritional supplement practices of highly trained swimmers on a national talent pathway, since it is often reported that swimmers engage in widespread supplement use at the elite level. Thus, this study employed a validated supplement intake questionnaire with forty-four swimmers from a high-performance swimming club, which had three distinct talent stages: development (aged 11–14 years, n = 20), age-group (aged 13–17 years, n = 13), and national level (aged ≥ 16 years, n = 11). Ninety-eight percent of the interviewed swimmers reported using at least one supplement, with performance (34%) and recovery (19%) cited as the primary reasons. National swimmers used more total supplements (8.1 ± 3.4 supplements) compared to age-group (4.8 ± 2.0 supplements, p = 0.003, g = 1.17) and development (3.9 ± 1.7 supplements, p < 0.001, g = 1.69) swimmers, mostly because of a greater intake of ergogenic aids (2.4 ± 1.4 supplements vs. age-group: 0.5 ± 0.5 supplements, p < 0.001, g = 1.12; vs. development: 0.1 ± 0.2 supplements, p < 0.001, g = 1.81). Parents/guardians were the primary supplement informants of development swimmers (74%, p < 0.001, V = 0.50), whereas performance nutritionists informed ~50% of supplements used by age-group and national swimmers (p < 0.001, V = 0.51). Based on these results, supplement education and greater focus on basic sport nutrition practices may be required for parents/guardians at the development level. Moreover, further research is needed to support the high number of ergogenic aids used by national swimmers, with the efficacy of these supplements currently equivocal in the applied setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)
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Review

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32 pages, 1949 KiB  
Review
Advances in Understanding the Interplay between Dietary Practices, Body Composition, and Sports Performance in Athletes
by Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez, Pedro Belinchón-deMiguel, Alejandro Rubio-Zarapuz, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera, Ismael Martínez-Guardado, Carlota Valeria Villanueva-Tobaldo and Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040571 - 19 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3404
Abstract
The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the [...] Read more.
The dietary practices of athletes play a crucial role in shaping their body composition, influencing sports performance, training adaptations, and overall health. However, despite the widely acknowledged significance of dietary intake in athletic success, there exists a gap in our understanding of the intricate relationships between nutrition, body composition, and performance. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that many athletes fail to adopt optimal nutritional practices, which can impede their potential achievements. In response, this Special Issue seeks to gather research papers that delve into athletes’ dietary practices and their potential impacts on body composition and sports performance. Additionally, studies focusing on interventions aimed at optimizing dietary habits are encouraged. This paper outlines the key aspects and points that will be developed in the ensuing articles of this Special Issue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)
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15 pages, 467 KiB  
Review
Nutritional Considerations for Elite Golf: A Narrative Review
by Nicholas Berlin, Matthew B. Cooke and Regina Belski
Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4116; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194116 - 23 Sep 2023
Viewed by 2492
Abstract
Golf is predominantly a skill-based sport where technical aspects are regarded as a priority area for improving performance. At present, most of the existing literature has focused on improving a player’s physicality, endurance and technical attributes in an effort to enhance performance. While [...] Read more.
Golf is predominantly a skill-based sport where technical aspects are regarded as a priority area for improving performance. At present, most of the existing literature has focused on improving a player’s physicality, endurance and technical attributes in an effort to enhance performance. While important, the role of nutrition in elite golf has received little attention to date. The energy demands of the sport can vary depending on the level of the individual (recreational–professional), with distances of up to 20 km being covered and the time spent on the course ranging approximately 4–8 h each day. Like other sports, a focus on pre-game, during and post-game nutrition, including hydration, is integral to ensuring that individuals are adequately fuelled, hydrated and optimally recovered. For the elite athletes who travel extensively to international tournaments, it is important to understand the additional impact of travel on the body and consider the role nutrition can play in preventing illness and ensuring minimal disruption to golf performance. Lastly, the role of dietary supplements to enhance the performance of golfers is also important to consider. This review aims to consolidate the findings of the existing research focusing on nutrition strategies for golf performance and identify areas for potential future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Practices, Body Composition and Sports Performance of Athletes)
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