Portuguese Football Federation consensus statement 2020: Nutrition and performance in football

Rodrigo Abreu, Pedro Figueiredo, Paulo Beckert, José P. Marques, Samuel Amorim, Carlos Caetano, Pedro Carvalho, Carla Sá, Ricardo Cotovio, Joana Cruz, Tiago Dias, Gonçalo Fernandes, Elton Gonçalves, César Leão, Alexandre Leitão, João Lopes, Eduardo Machado, Mónica Neves, André Oliveira, Ana I. PereiraBruno Pereira, Fernando Ribeiro, Luis M. Silva, Filipe Sousa, Tânia Tinoco, Vitor H. Teixeira, Monica Sousa, João Brito

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)
398 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Nutrition is an undeniable part of promoting health and performance among football (soccer) players. Nevertheless, nutritional strategies adopted in elite football can vary significantly depending on culture, habit and practical constraints and might not always be supported by scientific evidence. Therefore, a group of 28 Portuguese experts on sports nutrition, sports science and sports medicine sought to discuss current practices in the elite football landscape and review the existing evidence on nutritional strategies to be applied when supporting football players. Starting from understanding football's physical and physiological demands, five different moments were identified: preparing to play, match-day, recovery after matches, between matches and during injury or rehabilitation periods. When applicable, specificities of nutritional support to young athletes and female players were also addressed. The result is a set of practical recommendations that gathered consensus among involved experts, highlighting carbohydrates periodisation, hydration and conscious use of dietary supplements.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere001082
JournalBMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine
Volume7
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Aug 2021

Keywords

  • consensus
  • elite performance
  • soccer
  • sports and nutrition

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