Energy Expenditure and Iron Status of Premier League Footballers in Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Football is a popular sport. Footballers will perform better if their nutritional status is optimum. Iron is a nutrient required for performance. Energy expenditure must be met to maintain performance. Creatinine levels indicate kidney function and electrolyte balance to some extent. Aim: This study assessed energy expenditure and iron status of premier league footballers in Ghana Methods: Registered footballers in three teams in the First Capital Plus Premier League, Bechem United Football Club (BUFC) in Bechem (Brong Ahafo Region), Brong Ahafo United Football Club (BAFC) in Sunyani (Brong Ahafo Region) and Liberty Professionals Football Club (LPFC) in Dansoman (Greater Accra Region) were recruited. Full blood counts, serum ferritin levels and serum creatinine levels were determine from blood samples collected from the footballers. Their heights and weights were measured and BMI and body composition determined. Energy expenditure was estimated using the Schofield equation. Results: Sixty-three footballers from the 3 teams were recruited but only 52 were included in the data analyses. Mean weight was 69.89 ± 7.41kg, mean height was 1.74 ± 0.70M, mean muscle mass was 29.94 kg and mean body fat was 15.56%. Low haemoglobin levels were reported in 9% (n=4). Nineteen percent of footballers (n=9) had creatinine levels above the reference range. Ferritin levels were normal for all footballers (44.90- 115ng/dL). Mean daily energy expenditure was 4329.36±269.69kcal/day. Correlations between creatinine and ferritin with anthropometric indices were not significant (all ps>0.05). Conclusion: Mean height and weight of premier league footballers appeared lower when compared with that in other countries. Haemoglobin levels of most of the footballers were normal. Creatinine levels though high in some footballers was possibly physiological.