Correlation of Consumption Vegetables, Fruit, and Nuts with Body Mass Index and Fat Deposition in Saudi Elite Male Soccer Players

Abstract

Background: The nutrition of elite soccer players is crucial to optimize performance and improve body composition. Currently, little is known about the correlations between the consumption of fruit, vegetables, and nuts with body mass index (BMI) and fat deposition among Saudi soccer elite players. To address this gap in the literature, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of the consumption of fruit, vegetables, and nuts on BMI and fat percentage in elite Saudi soccer players. Methods: The Saudi Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used alongside a cross-sectional research design to gather data from a sample of young Saudi soccer players (N = 81; aged 17–21 years old) to assess participants’ food intake; body fat percentage was measured using skinfold thickness and BMI was calculated. Results: It showed that the participants’ consumption of fruit, vegetables, and nuts was low (mean intake: 63.80 (SD = 28.54), 60.65 (SD = 32.97), 31.58 (SD = 18.94), respectively). Moreover, the relationship between the indexes for the consumption of fruit, vegetables, and nuts with BMI was not significant (r =-0.037, p = 0.742; r = 0.143, p = 0.203; r = 0.080, p = 0.477, respectively). Also, there was no significant relationship between the indexes for the consumption of fruit, vegetables, and nuts with fat percentage (r =-0.066, p = 0.560; r = 0.119, p = 0.292; r = 0.012, p = 0.913, respectively). Furthermore, fat percentage was significantly predicted by BMI (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results indicated that the consumption of vegetables and nuts was associated with better BMI values. Thus, athletes should adopt a strict dietary regime that focuses on an adequate amount of high-quality fruit, vegetables, and nuts to enhance performance. The significance of this research stems from being the first to evaluate the association between vegetables, fruits, and nuts intake and body composition among Saudi soccer elite athletes, giving a rise in understanding regarding athletes’ nutrition to achieve better and improved body composition.