Assessment of Dairy Products and Protein Intake: Implications for Body Composition in Saudi Soccer Elite Athletes

Well-designed diets and proper nutrient intake are crucial factors that benefit health, enhance physical performance, and lead to better competitive results. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the associations between the consumption of dairy products and protein intake with body composition via body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage among Saudi soccer elite athletes. To achieve this, a cross-sectional, self-administered Saudi Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was completed by 81 elite Saudi soccer athletes aged between 18 and 25 years, with a mean age of 19 years, to assess their food intake. Body fat percentage was measured using skinfold thickness, and BMI was calculated for all participants, with a mean BMI of 22 (SD = 2). Our results revealed no statistically significant relationship between the consumption indexes of eggs, meat, chicken, fish, tuna, organ meat, milk, leben (fermented milk products), cream cheese, yoghurt, and labneh (Middle Eastern soft cheese) with fat percentage and BMI. The correlation coefficients were relatively low (r= 0.125, p-value= 0.547 and r=0.077, p-value= 0.882 respectively). Therefore, our findings suggest no association between protein and dairy product intake and BMI and fat percentage among Saudi soccer elite athletes. Thus, it's essential for soccer athletes and coaches to be mindful of making wise food choices to achieve better competitive results and maximize performance.