BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine (Sep 2021)

Portuguese Football Federation consensus statement 2020: nutrition and performance in football

  • João Brito,
  • Pedro Figueiredo,
  • Bruno Pereira,
  • Pedro Carvalho,
  • João Lopes,
  • Andre Oliveira,
  • Vitor H Teixeira,
  • Rodrigo Abreu,
  • Paulo Beckert,
  • José P Marques,
  • Samuel Amorim,
  • Carlos Caetano,
  • Carla Sá,
  • Ricardo Cotovio,
  • Tiago Dias,
  • Gonçalo Fernandes,
  • Elton Gonçalves,
  • César Leão,
  • Alexandre Leitão,
  • Eduardo Machado,
  • Mónica Neves,
  • Ana I Pereira,
  • Fernando Ribeiro,
  • Luis M Silva,
  • Filipe Sousa,
  • Tânia Tinoco,
  • Monica Sousa

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2021-001082
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 3

Abstract

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Nutrition is an undeniable part of promoting health and performance among football (soccer) players. Nevertheless, nutritional strategies adopted in elite football can vary significantly depending on culture, habit and practical constraints and might not always be supported by scientific evidence. Therefore, a group of 28 Portuguese experts on sports nutrition, sports science and sports medicine sought to discuss current practices in the elite football landscape and review the existing evidence on nutritional strategies to be applied when supporting football players. Starting from understanding football’s physical and physiological demands, five different moments were identified: preparing to play, match-day, recovery after matches, between matches and during injury or rehabilitation periods. When applicable, specificities of nutritional support to young athletes and female players were also addressed. The result is a set of practical recommendations that gathered consensus among involved experts, highlighting carbohydrates periodisation, hydration and conscious use of dietary supplements.