Alcoholic beverage preferences and consumption among Polish professional athletes

Abstract

Purpose. consumption of alcohol is known to decrease the exercise capacity and post-exercise regeneration rate of athletes. the aim of the study was to assess alcoholic beverage preferences and consumption frequency among professional athletes, stratified depending on sex, type of sports discipline, and masterclass. Methods. An anonymous survey was conducted among 608 athletes (217 women and 391 men). Results. Men showed greater preference for beer (p < 0.001), and women for wine and cocktails (p < 0.01). team sports players showed greater preference for beer, vodka (p < 0.001), and cocktails (p < 0.05) when compared with athletes involved in individual disciplines. Men were observed to consume beer and spirits (p < 0.001) significantly more often, and women presented higher frequency scores for wine (p < 0.05). team sports players consumed wine (p < 0.01), beer, cocktails, and spirits (p < 0.001) significantly more often than athletes practising individual disciplines. Individuals representing masterclass were found to consume wine, including dry wine, significantly more often than the representatives of other classes (p < 0.01). Conclusions. the relatively limited frequency of alcoholic beverage consumption and its structure among professional sportspeople are influenced by the athletes' sex, type of sports discipline, and masterclass level.