Sports Supplements in Football

Sports Supplements for Football - Footballers - men & women of all levels of proficiency will benefit their strength, recovery and performance levels by taking the correct sports nutritional supplements which have been formulated to make you into the best football player you can be. If you have the basic skill and you are prepared to train hard, eat well and be prepared to learn then the addition of certain sports nutritional supplements into your diet will help you reach your personal goals faster than through diet & exercise alone.

A footballer is constantly on the move during game play, and the athlete must coordinate his or her actions with those of his or her team-mates. This necessitates constant bodily re-adjustment involving abrupt starts, stops, jumps, dashes and pivots. All of these physical requirements can negatively impact the body and make the athlete susceptible to injury, illness and disease.
To be the best you must have a well-developed and well-balanced set of skills that allow you to outperform your competition. You must be flexible, agile, efficient, and you must be able to generate explosive strength on demand. What’s more, to win you must have superior awareness and be able to exploit weaknesses in your opponents’ strategy before he sees them. Clearly, playing soccer well and at the level required for success and victory is not easy.

Sport-specific supplementation can be the difference between athletic success and failure, and for this reason supplementation should not be neglected. However, it can be difficult to determine what supplements qualify as sport-specific in the face of the wide selection available to athletes.

At 247fitbody we offer you professional expertise on football-specific supplementation; we won’t just sell you a product, but provide you with a full supplementation service. We will work with you to educate players and coaches alike on the appropriate use of supplements and the benefits they can bring to performances.


** Significantly Improve Performance Levels **
** Be Faster **
** Stronger **
** Improve Concentration Levels **
** Recover Faster after matches & training **


There was once a time when people thought that in football skill and fitness were the main criteria to be a successful footballer. Allied to determination good players could become better players by better coaching and more intense fitness sessions. In other sports people were increasingly realising the importance of nutrition and so many football clubs (but not all) followed their lead and adopted policies to ensure that their players were eating sensible diets that would aid their performance on the pitch. In recent years things have moved on even further and now in sports such as American Football, Baseball, Basketball and Track & Field Athletics the benefits of supplements have been consistently shown in various studies to enable “athletes” to exceed and succeed way beyond the performance levels attained by structured diet ad exercise alone.
At 247Fitbody we are the UK/European Distributors for several leading American sports nutritional manufacturers who are working with leading US Track & Field Athletes and Fitness & Strength Professionals from many sporting disciplines. This research is both current and on going meaning that supplements that we have today which have a proven record of performance enhancement (all IOC Compliant) will be further developed and enhanced over the next few years. Working closely with your requirements, we can recommend a supplementation program that would:
** Increase Players Strength **
** Improve Fitness Levels **
** Increase Concentration Levels **
** Speed Up Recovery after a Game **
We are not supplying “magic pills” or potions – all supplements recommended would be IOC Compliant and recommended based up both published ad on-going research. What supplements would we recommend? Rather than a “one size fits all” we would like to offer a supplement regime that suits a players needs, each player has different requirements and we would offer that individual their own personalised program.
We, and our partners, are working with leading elite “athletes” all over the world – we are not merely a supplement supplier – we want to provide solutions you that will drive your athletes forward.




Scientific Study

Creatine supplementation and sprint performance in soccer players
Departamento de Investigacion y Desarrollo, Servicios Medicos, Athletic Club de Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain.


PURPOSE: This investigation examined the effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation on intermittent high-intensity exercise activities specific to competitive soccer.

METHODS: On two occasions 7 days apart, 17 highly trained male soccer players performed a counter-movement jump test (CMJT), a repeated sprint test (RST) consisting of six maximal 15-m runs with a 30-s recovery, an intermittent endurance test (IET) consisting of forty 15-s bouts of high-intensity running interspersed by 10-s bouts of low-intensity running, and a recovery CMJT consisting of three jumps. After the initial testing session, players were evenly and randomly included in a CREATINE (5 g of Cr, four times per day for 6 d) or a PLACEBO group (same dosage of malto dextrins) using a double-blind research design.

RESULTS: The CREATINE group's average 5-m and 15-m times during the RST were consistently faster after the intervention (0.95 +/- 0.03 vs 0.97 +/- 0.02 s, P < 0.05 and 2.29 +/- 0.08 vs 2.32 +/- 0.07 s, P = 0.07, respectively). Neither group showed significant changes in the CMJT or the IET. The CREATINE group's recovery CMJT performance relative to the resting CMJT remained unchanged post supplementation, whereas it tended to decrease in the PLACEBO group.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, acute Cr supplementation favourably affected repeated sprint performance and limited the decay in jumping ability after the IET in highly trained soccer players.


The effects of oral L-Arginine supplementation on muscular strength in young soccer players
São Paulo Fc, Brazil

OBJECTIVE According to the literature L- Arginine supplementation improves physical performance by decreasing fatigue due to nitric oxide (NO) vasodilatation effect. This investigation sought to assess the effect of L-Arginine supplementationon strength and body composition of young soccer players during an 8 week weight training protocol.

METHODS 20 soccer players, age between 17 and 19 years old (mean 17.65 ± 0.8 yrs were supplemented either with 3g of L-arginine plus 1 g of vitamine C (group ARG) or just with 1 g of vitamine C (group CON). They underwent eight weeks of weight training (3 times/ week). Statistical analyses used were ANOVA and “t” test.

RESULTS Group ARG showed a significant increase in body-weight (66.4 ± 6.1; 67.84 ± 6.8 kg), lean body mass (60.38 ± 6.05; 62.07± 5.9 kg) and muscular strength of both legs, right(R) and left (L) (Extension R 184.8 ± 17.4 to
195.8 ± 16.3; L 191.1 ± 18.4 to 199.1 ± 19.1), as an decrease in body fat (6.02 ± 0.6 – 5.77 ± 0.59 Kg) and %body fat (9.45 ± 0.8 to 8.66 ± 0.77) (p<0.05). There was no significant change in CON group.

CONCLUSION This study indicated that daily oral supplementation of L- Arginine for 8 weeks positively altered measurements of strength and fat-free mass, suggesting that the strategy of targeted nutrition had the ability to improve the muscular responses to weight training programs.

KEY WORDS Exercise, nitric oxide, vasodilatation, muscle



Effects of sports drinks supplements on performance and thermoregulatory responses of soccer players
1 University of Hull, USA, 2 University of New Mexico, USA

OBJECTIVE As performance decrement may occur with as little as 1 - 2% dehydration, and fluid intake during the course of a soccer match is limited, various hyperhydration protocols have been applied to super-compensate total body water stores prior to a match. However, the efficacy of such hyperhydration protocols remains equivocal. The objective of the current study was to compare thermoregulatory maintenance and soccer-specific performance between a carbohydrate- electrolyte drink (CHO-electrolyte) and a CHO-electrolyte drink containing 4% glycerol.

METHODS Ten players participated in two outdoor training sessions and randomly assigned to each of two drinks. Players consumed 500mL of either drink at 30 min pre- and again at ½ time of the session. Pre- and post body weight was recorded, as well as thermoregulatory (core temp and heart rate), cardiovascular (plasma osmolality & volume) and renal (urine osmolality & specific gravity) responses.

RESULTS The degree of dehydration (% change in body weight) was greater after completion of the non-glycerol session (p = 0.041). Similarly, % decrease in plasma volume was also significantly greater (p=0.049). Serum osmolality increased in both trials, however the glycerol trial was higher (p=0.033). No main affect was observed between core temp and HR conditions (CT: p=0.350; mean HR: p=0.256).

CONCLUSION The addition of glycerol into the CHO-electrolyte drink provided players with better PV maintenance and attenuated dehydration even in relatively mild ambient temperatures (~ 17.0ºC). However, the effects on performance were minimal, as no differences were observed between training intensities or fatigue tests throughout the two sessions.


Match analyses of Australian international women soccer players using an athlete tracking device
1 Flinders University, 2 Australian Institute of Sport

OBJECTIVE The physiological characteristics of women soccer players have been reported previously (Tumilty., 1993; Davies et al., 1993). The physical requirements of male soccer players have been reported by a number of researchers (Withers et al., 1982; Mohr et al., 2003). Krustrup et al. (2005) also examined the physical demands of women’s games in Division One of the Danish League. They reported that the average total distance covered in a game was 10300 m (range: 9700- 11300 m). The preceding studies used video time-motion analysis but advances in technology have generated new methods of match analysis (Larsson, 2003). This study used a global positioning system (GPS), which is an emerging technology, to measure the activity profiles and physical demands of Australian international women soccer players.

METHODS Six players were monitored in four separate international women's soccer games. Each player was fitted with an athlete tracking device which incorporated GPS, triaxial accelerometry, gyroscopes and magnetometers. Players were categorised according to position: defenders (def, n=7), midfielders (mid, n=9) and attackers (att, n=6).

RESULTS Locomotor activity patterns are presented in Table 1. The total distance covered during a game was 9140 m, 2310± 580 m of which was moderate to sprint running. Average distances covered were: def- 9010 (7200- 9760 m),
mid- 9640 (7620- 10960 m) and att- 8510 (8490- 9440 m).

Locomotor activity profile of Australian international women soccer players.
Match Total
Speed (km.h-1) Locomotor Description Distance
Mean (SD) %
0-5 Slow walking 2400 (120) 26
5-8 Walking 2100 (110) 23
8-12 Low speed running 2330 (190) 26
12-16 Moderate speed running 1410 (160) 15
16-20 High speed running 620 (110) 7
20+ Sprinting 280 (80) 3
Total 9140 (1030)

DISCUSSION The results of this study showed that Australian international women soccer players covered an average of 9140 m, which is less than the 10300 m reported by Krustrup et al. (2005). Possible reasons for these differences are the: 1) styles of play, 2) methods of analysis, 3) styles of play of the opposition, and 4) physical capacities of the players.


2.
OBJECTIVE The physical demands of high-level male soccer have been studied extensively (Bangsbo et al., 1994;Mohr et al., 2003), however few studies exist (Davis et al., 1993) that have investigated the demands placed on females during match-play. As the popularity of female soccer continues to grow understanding of the demands placed on female players during match-play would enable trainers and coaches to optimise the physical preparation of players. The purpose of this study was to characterise the work-rates of elite female soccer players during the 2005 Women’s European Championships.

METHODS Thirty international female soccer players were filmed for the determination of work-rate profile. The camera was positioned overlooking the pitch, close to the half-way line. Movement categories for work-rate profile were: walk, walk back, jog, jog back, sideways movement, cruise and sprint. Total distance was calculated by the method of Reilly and Thomas (Reilly et al., 1976).

RESULTS The total distance covered during 90 minutes of match-play was 11979±1325m (Table 1). There was no significant reduction in the total distance covered in the second half compared to the first. Activity for the total distance
covered during match-play consisted of 45% jogging, 26% walking, 13% cruising, 3% sprinting and 13% utility movements.

Table 1. Total distance covered by playing position for elite female soccer players.
Position (n=30) Distance Covered M (SD)
Full Back 12636 (419)
Centre Back 11099 (1399)
Midfield 12971 (537)
Forward 11804 (1276)
Mean 11979 (1325)

DISCUSSION The distances covered by the players in the present study are similar to those that have been observed in top male players. This study suggests that female players tax the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems like male players, although gender differences for speed and power need to be considered in a future study. This has implications for the physical preparation of female players.



Soccer and nutrition
Mohammad Samadi 1,2 􀀍
1Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, I.R. Iran, 2 National Olympic & Paralympic Academy. Tehran,
I.R. Iran

OBJECTIVE Soccer is a high intensity, intermittent activity that requires both strength and endurance over a period of 90 minutes. Soccer training and competition result in an increased energy demand so nutritional strategies designed for soccer players should include adequate calories to support training and competition. Recommendations for energy intake should be based on the needs of each player. Soccer is a glycogen-depleting activity. The level of muscle glycogen prior to a match will influence performance towards the end of a game. Glycogen depletion, a potential factor contributing to fatigue, may seriously limit player’s ability to maintain high-intensity work output, particularly during the late stages of the game.

The specific energy demands of soccer make carbohydrate the predominant and most important source of fuel in the player’s diet.

A training diet aimed at maximizing muscle glycogen and glucose availability needs to contain between 8 to 10 g cho/kg body weight or 60% to 70% of total energy. Good sources of carbohydrate are rice, bread, potatoes, pasta, breakfast cereals, confectionary, cakes and sport drinks.

Soccer players would be likely to benefit from protein intakes above current recommendations not only because of their potential to enhance strength, but also to provide energy during training and competition. It appeared that intake of 1.4 to 1.7 g/kg body weight per day should be adequate for soccer players. Good sources of protein are meat, poultry, fish, milk and dairy products and eggs.




Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test in a young soccer team of Brazil before andafter protein supplementation plus carbohydrate
Pablo Christiano Barboza Lollo 1 􀀍, Miguel De Arruda 2, Marco Covre 3, Carlos Renato Frederico 3
and Celio Kenji Miyasaka 1
1Unicamp - Fea – Depan, 2 Unicamp - Fef , 3 Guarani Futebol Clube

OBJECTIVE Some authors has described the importance of the anaerobic capacity for the performance of the soccer athletes. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test has been widely proposed to follow the anaerobic capacity of soccer athlete, during the season. The physical activity can increase dietary protein needs. The objective of the present study was to verify the performance of young athletes in Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test before and after different forms of protein supplementation with carbohydrate.

METHODS The subjects (n=24) 16,4 years old aged from Brazil championship, were keeping in lodging of team, with daily training. The subjects were supplemented with isolated (WPI) or hidrolisated whey protein (WPH) or casein during 8 weeks, 1 g/kg-1/dia-1 of protein plus 0.4 g/kg-1/dia-1 of de carbohydrate -sucrose. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test was performed before and after the supplementation.

RESULTS Yo-Yo intermittent recovery performance test of the Brazilian young soccer players before and after protein supplementation with whey protein isolated (WPI) or hidrolisated (WPH) or casein (CAS), 1 g/kg-1/dia-1 of protein plus 0.4 g/kg-1/dia-1 of de carbohydrate (sucrose) are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Yo-Yo intermitant recvery performance test results before and after protein supplementation.

WPH WPI CAS WPH WPI CAS
Mean 382,86 445,71 434,29 413,33 440 510
SEM 31,3 37,47 28,19 13,33 21,38 25,17
Maximum 480 600 480 440 520 560
Minimum 280 280 280 360 360 440
n 7 7 7 6 7 4

DISCUSSION The performance was sustained during the season with protein supplementation. This could be considered
to be a positive outcome, as the players participated in a lot of matches in a season that would have resulted in the
reduction of physical training.
KEY WORDS Whey protein, casein, protein, sucrose, carbohydrate, soccer, supplementation, Yo-Yo intermittent
recovery.

Iron status in elite female soccer players
Dawn Scott, Pippa Bennett and Alan Hodson
Mecical and Exercise Science Department, the Football Association, Lilleshall Hall National Sports Centre, Nr Newport,
Shropshire, TF10 9AT .
OBJECTIVE FIFA estimates that in the year 2010, there will be more women playing football than men (Davies,
2005). Despite growing interest, few studies have examined the iron status of elite female soccer players. The impact of
iron deficiency anaemia on performance is well documented. However, it is also recognised that iron deficiency without
anaemia may also have adverse effects on performance (Brownlie et al, 2004). The aim of the present study was to
determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in elite female soccer players.
METHODS Thirty-six international female soccer players (age 21.1±3.3 years) had venous pre-prandial blood samples
collected. Samples were collected in an international training camp prior to the start of the competitive playing season.
Samples were analysed within 24 hours for haemoglobin concentration and ferritin stores.
RESULTS The average haemoglobin and ferritin values were 127.0±8.0g/l and 39±19μg/L, respectively. Of the female
soccer players assessed, 42% had iron deficiency and 14% iron deficiency anaemia, as diagnosed by the team doctor.
DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION The prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in the current study
was lower than in studies of elite female soccer players (Landahl et al, 2005), and higher than values for general female
population . This suggested that elite sport places extra demands on females to maintain adequate iron stores. Regular
monitoring of haemoglobin and iron status should be employed.
©Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2007) Suppl. 10 186
REFERENCES
Brownlie et al. (2004) American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 79, 437-443.
Davies (2005) The New Statesman, 4 April.
Landahl et al. (2005) International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism 15, 689-694.