This study was cross-sectional descriptive research which aimed to assess dietary intakes of soccer players at local sport school, Roi Et Province.

Abstract

       Food is important for soccer players. Nutritious food will improve physical fitness of soccer players.This study was cross-sectional descriptive  research  which  aimed  to  assess  dietary  intakes  of  soccer  players  at  local  sport  school, Roi Et  Province.  The  samples  were  46  male  soccer  players  between  the  age  of  10-15  years  old. The  questionnaire,  three-day  food  record  form,  food  frequency  questionnaire  were  used  to  gather  the  data. Anthropometric assessment and assessment of physical fitness were also done.  The data were collected during February-June 2010.  Data  analyses  were  performed  using  descriptive  statistics  and  the  INMUCAL-NUTRIENTS  program  was  used  to  analyze  nutrients.  The  correlation  between  the  energy  intake  from  carbohydrate  and  physical  fitness  was  done  using  Pearson’s  correlation  coefficient  at  0.05  level  of  significance. The study revealed that the median value of energy intake of soccer players in this study was 1,807.4 kcal/day (IQR =345.4) which was 92.9 % of daily recommended intake (DRI). The average energy distribution from carbohydrate, protein and fat was 60.4%, 16.7 % and 22.9 %, respectively. Most nutrient intakes were enough, except calcium and vitamin A. The average frequency of intake of rice, meat, vegetable, fruit, snack, and instant noodle were 21 times/week/person, 20.6 times/week/person, 12.7 times/week/person, 12.2  times/week/person, 15.4 times/week/person, and  0.2 times/week/person, respectively. The majority of soccer players had normal nutritional status. However, 50 % of soccer players had high body fat percentage. Significant correlation was found between energy intake from carbohydrate and vertical jump, 1-minute sit-ups, 1-minute push-ups, 12-minute distance run. Therefore, calcium and vitamin A intake should be promoted among soccer players. Soccer players should have enough energy intakes from carbohydrate and they should follow the nutritional recommendations for soccer players for their better physical fitness.