Body Composition and Dietary Pattern of Iranian Male Soccer Players, a Large National Study

Background: Body composition and dietary pattern in athletes are important factors in improving performance. The athletes use a wide range of supplements, most of which are not prescribed by specialists. Objectives: The aims of the present study were the assessment of body composition and food frequency questionnaire of elite Iranian soccer players in Tehran province. The type and frequency of used supplements were assessed. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study on 10 - 34 year-old male soccer players. Body composition was measured by body impedance analyzer. Dietary pattern was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. The type and frequency of used supplements assessed was evaluated by an open-ended questionnaire with the main supplement groups. Results: In total, 3839 soccer players from Tehran leagues participated in this study. The mean ± SD height, age, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were 170.7 ± 10.6 cm, 17.8 ± 4.2 years, 61.9 ± 12.9 kg and 21.0 ± 2.8 Kg/m2, respectively. The most frequently used in the main food groups was bread in grain group (82%, 4 - 7 times/week). Skeletal muscle mass had a significant relationship with the frequency of high protein containing foods consumption (P: 0.007) (CI: 0.004 - 0.02). Energy drinks (11.4%), antioxidant and vitamins supplements (6.4%), carbohydrate supplements (6.3%) and protein supplements (5.7%) were the more frequent supplements used. Conclusions: The present study showed that body composition of Iranian young male soccer players had some differences in relation to that in the other countries. The soccer players should be educated in the field of healthy nutrition and best food groups and supplement selection.