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

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.

How Do Male Football Players Meet Dietary Recommendations? A Systematic Literature Review

“…Periodizing nutrition focuses on the different energy needs and varying intake during different phases of the year [ 16 ]. In football, energy demands are lower in the in-season and higher in the pre-season [ 1 ], when the nutritional strategy should be focused also on obtaining optimal body composition [ 49 ].…”

A Magyar Futball Akadémia táplálkozási tudásfelmérése és képzési hatékonysága monitorozása

“…A stáb 2021 februárjában kiegészült dietetikus munkatárssal is, mivel a sportolók egészségét és teljesítményét támogatja a megfelelő táplálkozás (Abreu et al, 2021). A dietetikus feladatai közé tartozik az étlaptervezésen, a konyhavezetővel, konyhai dolgozókkal, edzőkkel való kapcsolattartáson túl a sportolók csoportos elméleti képzése, valamint az egyéni tanácsadás is, a sporttudományos részleggel közös testösszetétel-méréssel és az orvosi stábbal egyeztetett vérképelemzéssel kiegészítve.…”

Analysis of Recovery Methods’ Efficacy Applied up to 72 Hours Postmatch in Professional Football: A Systematic Review With Graded Recommendations

“…The findings are contrary to previous studies supporting that various nutritional approaches (ie, fluids ingestion, carbohydrates and protein, tart cherry, omega-3, vitamin D, and creatine monohydrate supplementation) are beneficial to recover physical performance (eg, maximal strength), physiological (eg, rehydration, muscle glycogen refueling, and repair), and perceptual (eg, muscle soreness) parameters. 6,13,16,70,71 However, most of the conclusions of these studies derived from narrative reviews and consensus statements. 6,13,70,71 Also, the recommendations are mostly based on the effects induced by harmful exercise and the presumed postexercise nutritional positive effects, rather than on well-designed controlled trials.…”

“…6,13,16,70,71 However, most of the conclusions of these studies derived from narrative reviews and consensus statements. 6,13,70,71 Also, the recommendations are mostly based on the effects induced by harmful exercise and the presumed postexercise nutritional positive effects, rather than on well-designed controlled trials. 6,13,70 Some of the studies have conducted long-term interventions rather than shortterm interventions postexercise up to 72 hours, 6,16 and, important to note, none of the studies included have examined team sports athletes after competitive matches.…”