(P16-006-24) Optimizing Dietary Intake for Recovery and Performance in Elite Adolescent Soccer: A Comparative Analysis During Competitive Period in Morocco

Objectives: Understanding the intricate relationship between nutritional status and recovery is paramount for optimizing the performance and well-being of elite adolescent soccer. As athletes engage in rigorous training regimes and competitive matches, their nutritional needs play a pivotal role in supporting their physical and physiological demands. This study delves into the effects of both macro and micronutrients on the recovery process among elite adolescent Soccer in Morocco.

Methods: This study concerns a group of 50 young’s soccer players U17 from two teams participating in the young elite category within the national elite youth championship. The average age was 16.0 years (±0.4). The height 172.5 cm (±4.1),and the weight was 63.1 kg (±4.9). The Body Mass Index (BMI) was 20.3 (±1.2), and their Body Fat Mass was 12.5% (±1.2). Additionally, Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) showed a mean of 1689 (±81) Kcal. These players were monitored during a consecutive 7-day study of the competitive period. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance (BI), while dietary intake was assessed using self-reported methods and 24-hour recalls. Additionally, the recovery status was evaluated using the Total Quality Recovery (TQR).

Results: The results show that the total energy intake was 2708 ± 233 Kcal, with a carbohydrate intake of 4.7 g/kg of body mass (BM) and protein: 1.6 g/kg (BM), while lipids accounted for 35.2% of the energy intake. Furthermore, adolescents only meet their needs for vitamin A, showing insufficient intake of vitamins E and C (p < 0.05) compared to recommendations. The water consumption was 2.5 liters per day. The correlational study reveals a positive correlation between the recovery level and energy intake, carbohydrate intake, and also the status of antioxidant vitamins (p < 0.01 and r2 = 0.43, p < 0.01 and r2 = 0.71, p < 0.01 and r2 = 0.51), respectively.

Conclusions: The quality of energy intake and adequate consumption of macronutrients and vitamins are crucial factors in maintaining optimal performance and recovery levels among young athletes. Therefore, the development of individualized and targeted nutritional strategies can play an essential role in enhancing the overall health and performance of elite adolescent footballers.

Funding Sources: Laboratory of Biology and Health