Journal article
Inside the Belly of a Beast: Individualizing Nutrition for Young, Professional Male Rugby League Players: A Review
International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, Vol.31(1), pp.73-89
2021
PMID: 33321472
Abstract
Professional rugby league (RL) football is a contact sport involving repeated collisions and high-intensity efforts; both training and competition involve high energy expenditure. The present review summarizes and critiques the available literature relating the physiological demands of RL to nutritional requirements and considers potential ergogenic supplements that could improve players' physical capacity, health, and recovery during the preparatory and competition phases of a season. Although there may not be enough data to provide RL-specific recommendations, the available data suggest that players may require approximately 6-8 g·kg-1·day-1 carbohydrate, 1.6-2.6 g·kg-1·day-1 protein, and 0.7-2.2 g·kg-1·day-1 fat, provided that the latter also falls within 20-35% of total energy intake. Competition nutrition should maximize glycogen availability by consuming 1-4 g/kg carbohydrate (∼80-320 g) plus 0.25 g/kg (∼20-30 g) protein, 1-4 hr preexercise for 80-120 kg players. Carbohydrate intakes of approximately 80-180 g (1.0-1.5 g/kg) plus 20-67 g protein (0.25-0.55 g/kg) 0-2 hr postexercise will optimize glycogen resynthesis and muscle protein synthesis. Supplements that potentially improve performance, recovery, and adaptation include low to moderate dosages of caffeine (3-6 mg/kg) and ∼300 mg polyphenols consumed ∼1 hr preexercise, creatine monohydrate "loading" (0.3 g·kg-1·day-1) and/or maintenance (3-5 g/day), and beta-alanine (65-80 mg·kg-1·day-1). Future research should quantify energy expenditures in young, professional male RL players before constructing recommendations.
Details
- Title
- Inside the Belly of a Beast: Individualizing Nutrition for Young, Professional Male Rugby League Players: A Review
- Authors
- Vincent G Kelly (Corresponding Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyLiam S Oliver (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyJoanna Bowtell (Author) - University of ExeterDavid G Jenkins (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy
- Publication details
- International Journal of Sport Nutrition & Exercise Metabolism, Vol.31(1), pp.73-89
- Publisher
- Human Kinetics, Inc.
- Date published
- 2021
- DOI
- 10.1123/ijsnem.2019-0321
- ISSN
- 1543-2742
- PMID
- 33321472
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99498406802621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Nutrition & Dietetics
- Sport Sciences