Studies

This scoping review systematically assesses existing literature to map and evaluate the efficacy of different nutritional interventions—such as kiwifruit, tart cherry juice, and various proteins—on sleep quality and duration in elite athletes.

The research outlines the unique sleep challenges faced by this population and uses methodological tools, including the NUQUEST risk of bias assessment and the Paper to Podium Matrix, to provide practitioners with evidence-based, translational recommendations.

Key findings suggest that certain fruits and dairy show high potential for promoting better sleep, while the benefits of protein-based supplements may be limited in athletes already consuming a high-protein diet.

This academic review titled “Nutrition Strategies to Promote Sleep in Elite Athletes: A Scoping Review,” authored by Gavin Rackard and colleagues.

This scoping review systematically assesses existing literature to map and evaluate the efficacy of different nutritional interventions—such as kiwifruit, tart cherry juice, and various proteins—on sleep quality and duration in elite athletes.

The research outlines the unique sleep challenges faced by this population and uses methodological tools, including the NUQUEST risk of bias assessment and the Paper to Podium Matrix, to provide practitioners with evidence-based, translational recommendations.

Key findings suggest that certain fruits and dairy show high potential for promoting better sleep, while the benefits of protein-based supplements may be limited in athletes already consuming a high-protein diet.

🔗 ​Bridging the gap: Evidence-based practice guidelines for sports nutritionists

This randomised controlled trial investigates how different carbohydrate intake rates affect player performance during an extended 120-minute soccer match simulation.

Researchers compared a placebo against moderate and high doses of carbohydrates to see if they could mitigate the physical fatigue and skill decline typical of extra-time scenarios.

The results indicated that while sprint speeds decreased over time due to exhaustion, supplemental fueling did not significantly improve physical or cognitive outcomes when compared to the control group.

Interestingly, the high-carbohydrate intervention, which included a mix of maltodextrin and fructose, showed some potential benefits for passing accuracy and ball handling.

Ultimately, the study suggests that maintaining optimal nutrition in the days leading up to a match is more critical for performance than in-game consumption.

Nevertheless, higher intake rates were found to be well-tolerated by the athletes without causing gastrointestinal distress.

​The effect of different carbohydrate ingestion rates on physical, skill and cognitive performance during extended simulated soccer: a randomized controlled trial

​The effect of different carbohydrate ingestion rates on physical, skill and cognitive performance during extended simulated soccer: a randomized controlled trial