Nutritional Knowledge and Eating Habits of the National Brazilian Futsal Team

Abstract

Introduction: Futsal is a sport that requires nutritional support to support the high-energy expenditure and significant loss of fluids and electrolytes during training and matches. It is important that high-level athletes follow appropriate, evidence-based nutrition. To our knowledge, there is a lack of data on the eating habits and nutrition knowledge of Futsal players. Therefore, this study aims to describe the nutritional knowledge and eating habits of players of the national Brazilian Futsal Team. A secondary aim was to translate the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Questionnaire into Portuguese for use in Portuguese-speaking athletes. Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The evaluations were carried out during the preparation period of the Brazilian Futsal Team for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2020 qualifiers.  We evaluated anthropometry (weight, height, body mass index) nutritional knowledge (assessed using a translated version of the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire) and eating habits (assessed using a validated Brazilian FFQ), as well as supplement use. The translation of the ANSKQ was undertaken using previous validated forward-backward translation procedures. Results: The mean total correct score on the ANSKQ was 12 out of a possible 35 (34.45%). The mean total correct score on the ANSKQ was 12 out of a possible 35 (34.45%). Players had a statistically significantly higher score for “General Nutrition” knowledge than Sports Nutrition Knowledge (47.27% vs 28.53%, p<0.005). Futsal players had infrequent consumption of the food group "Milk and dairy products", and frequent consumption of "Snacks" as well as fruits. Regarding dietary supplements, 46% of athletes said they consume, or previously consumed, with Whey Protein being the most common supplement. Conclusions: There is room from improvement in athletes nutrition knowledge, especially sports specific knowledge. Futsal players may also require education on appropriate supplement use and dietary intake.