(P29-011-25) Muscle Injuries and Antioxidant Vitamins in Elite Football Players in Morocco: An Exploratory and Correlational Study

Objectives: Antioxidant vitamins play a crucial role in reducing oxidative stress, which is often associated with muscle injuries in athletes. However, the relationship between antioxidant intake and the prevention of muscle injuries remains insufficiently studied among professional football players in Morocco. This study aims to examine the correlation between antioxidant vitamin intake and the incidence of muscle injuries in a group of professional football players during a mid-season period comprising 15 matches.

Methods: A group of 24 professional football players (mean age: 26.1 ± 2.5 years; height: 1.79 ± 0.6 m; weight: 75.1 ± 4.2 kg; BMI: 22.1 ± 1.2; body fat: 12 ± 1.3%) was monitored over 15 matches. Antioxidant vitamin intake was assessed through dietary records and supplement logs. The incidence of muscle injuries was recorded and classified according to severity and frequency. Data were analyzed to identify significant associations between antioxidant intake and injury occurrence.

Results: The analysis revealed that high antioxidant vitamin intake was correlated with a reduced risk of muscle injuries (p-value < 0.05; R = -0.7). Players with consistent intake of vitamins C and E exhibited a lower incidence of muscle injuries compared to those with lower intake (injury incidence: 9.4 vs. 7.2). Of the reported muscle injuries, 82% were categorized as regular injuries, while 18% were recurrent injuries. Vitamins C and E were identified as the most relevant for muscle recovery due to their direct role in combating oxidative stress and tissue repair. However, vitamin A intake may also play an important role in supporting overall cellular health, even though its impact on muscle recovery is secondary. Similarly, beta-carotene, like vitamin A, supports cellular health, but its role in reducing muscle injuries remains marginal.

Conclusions: This study highlights the potential role of antioxidant vitamins in reducing muscle injuries among professional football players. The findings suggest that adequate antioxidant intake, particularly of vitamins C, E, and potentially could be a key factor in injury prevention, providing recommendations for dietary adjustments in professional athletes.

Funding Sources: None