Objective-To examine the dietary habits of professional soccer players
at two Scottish Premier League clubs during the competitive season. M
ethods-A study of the dietary intake of 51 professional soccer players
with two different clubs was carried out by the seven day weighed int
ake method. Results-Physical characteristics of the two groups of play
ers were similar, with only small differences in age and body mass but
no difference in height and body fat. Mean (SD) daily energy intake f
or club A was 11.0 (2.6) MJ, and for club B 12.8 (2.2) MJ. The higher
energy intake at club B was largely accounted for by a higher (P < 0.0
05) fat intake (118 v 93 g d(-1)): there was no difference in the abso
lute amounts of protein, carbohydrate, or alcohol consumed. When expre
ssed as a fraction of total energy intake, mean protein intake was hig
her (P < 0.05) and fat intake lower (P < 0.01) at club A. Conclusions-
The mean energy intake of these players was not high compared with ath
letes in endurance sports. Fractional contribution of the macronutrien
ts to total energy intake was broadly similar to that of the general p
opulation.