(P16-009-24) Status of Antioxidant Vitamins Among Football Players Across Age Groups During Competitive Period in Morocco: A Comparative and Correlation Study

Objectives: Antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins C and E, as well as beta-carotene, are known for their beneficial properties in neutralizing free radicals and protecting against exercise-induced oxidative stress. In the context of football, a sport requiring a combination of strength, endurance, and agility, footballers are constantly exposed to intense physical stress that can lead to the accumulation of free radicals and cellular damage.

This study aims to examine variations in antioxidant vitamin levels according to age and level of competition in Morocco, as well as analyze their effect on footballers' performance.

Methods: During a consecutive 7-day study, a total of 277 footballers from the Moroccan professional league, representing 14 football teams, were divided into four groups ranging from pre-adolescence to adulthood, covering various levels of competition: Senior Professional level "S-PROF", Senior Elite level "S-ELIT", Young Elite level "Y-ELIT", as well as the academic categories "U15/14-ACDM" and "U13/12-ACDM". These players were monitored during a microcycle of the competitive period. Dietary intake was assessed using self-reported methods and 24-hour recalls, while body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance (BI).

Results: The results indicate that professionals and adults meet their needs for vitamins A and C, except for vitamin E, which is insufficient compared to recommendations (p < 0.05). However, adolescents only fulfill their vitamin A requirements, without sufficient intake of vitamins E and C (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, at the academic level, a deficiency in these vitamins is observed (p < 0.001). In the other hand A positive correlation was found between the level of competition and the status of antioxidant vitamins (p < 0.001 and r2=0.46).

Conclusions: These results emphasize the importance of tailored nutritional strategies to address vitamin deficiencies among different age groups and levels of physical activity, thereby promoting overall health and performance of footballers.

Funding Sources: Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of sciences Ben M’sik, Health and Biotechnology Research Center, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco