Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Nutrition Knowledge of Australian Football and Soccer Players: Implications for Sports Nutrition Professionals in Practice

A total of 66 players (mean age 23 ± 4 years, mean weight 82.0 ± 9.2 kg, mean height 184.7 ± 7.7 cm) were assessed for body composition, dietary intake, and nutrition knowledge.

• Nutrition knowledge scores averaged 57%, with no significant differences between elite and subelite Australian football and soccer players (58%, 57%, and 56%, respectively, p > .05).
• Carbohydrate intake was lower than recommended, with elite and subelite Australian football players consuming 4.6 ± 1.5 g/kg/day and 4.5 ± 1.2 g/kg/day, and elite soccer players consuming 2.9 ± 1.1 g/kg/day.
• Protein intake was higher than recommendations, with elite and subelite Australian football players consuming 3.4 ± 1.1 g/kg/day and 2.1 ± 0.7 g/kg/day, and elite soccer players consuming 1.9 ± 0.5 g/kg/day.
• A positive correlation was found between nutrition knowledge and fat-free soft tissue mass (r= .051, p = .039).

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