Nutrition for Youth Rugby

Abstract

The nutritional requirements of a youth rugby player are influenced by their biological growth, maturation, and physical development in addition to the demands of training and competition.Given the anatomical, physiological, and metabolic difference between youth and adult rugby players it is inappropriate to simply apply the same nutrition guidelines for senior rugby players to youth populations. The energy and macronutrient requirements of youth rugby players are dictated by their total energy expenditures which increase in conjunction with age and body size. Youth rugby players appear to meet their daily fat and protein intakes, however it is likely that many players fail to achieve optimal carbohydrate intakes. Diet quality in this population does not meet current recommendations although it does appear to improve with age. The hydration requirements of youth players do not appear to differ from those of their adult counterparts however adolescent players may have greater calcium and iron requirements.Finally, although many players regularly consume dietary supplements there is limited evidence to support their use within this population. Future research is required particularly in youth female players to establish their current practices and nutritional requirements.