Raul Lopez-Grueso ^1,2 José J. Muros ^3*

• ¹ Universidad Isabel I de Castilla, Burgos, Spain
• ² University of Jaume I, Castelló de La Plana, Valencian Community, Spain
• ³ University of Granada, Granada, Spain

Raúl López-Grueso, José Joaquín Muros*The nutritional habits of athletes are essential for health and performance throughout a season, as they also allow for adequate body composition and a correct supply of macro and micronutrients, especially trying to transfer it in a practical way to the athlete (1). Also, there is a lack of sufficient information on eating patterns, selection factors between diets, nutritional supplementation and recommendations to meet the needs of athletes (2).The first study on this research topic focused on the dietary intake of semi-professional female football players (Modena et al.). This study examines energy and nutrient intake and MD adherence in professional football players during a competitive season. Findings point to an energy deficiency in relation to training level, insufficient carbohydrate intake and risk of insufficient nutrition intake regarding some vitamins and minerals in a substantial percentage of football players. Nonetheless, mean Mediterranean diet adherence indices corresponded to good adherence. different high-protein diet strategies (immediately pre-and post-exercise, and three hours preand post-exercise) in resistance-trained males. Findings reported by this study suggest that a high-protein diet enhances muscular performance and muscle mass in resistance-trained males regardless of timing.On the other hand Ryan et al., focuses on uncovering the beliefs and practices of ultraendurance runners in Ireland regarding carbohydrates in order to gain a better understanding of gastrointestinal symptoms. Findings of this study suggest that gastrointestinal symptoms are prevalent in ultra-endurance athletes. Thus, further research is required to understand the mechanisms behind ultra-endurance-associated gastrointestinal symptoms and to identify best practice for communicating relevant information to the target audience in order to reduce their risk of developing long-term chronic health complications.Two studies were focused on the body composition. Sharn et al., investigated an innovative partnership to integrate trainings and MUAC (mid-upper arm circumference) z-score assessments into a Social Sports Schools program to identify malnutrition risk, demonstrating that this one could be used by non-healthcare professionals (non-HCPs) in under-resource communities and families.Finally, Lombardo et al., determined with their research the complex interactions between body composition, dietary habits, physical activity and lifestyle factors, finding differences between genders. Significant gender-specific differences were detected in eating behaviors and food preferences (for example, females felt hungrier in the morning and men in the afternoon), and some of them (taste preferences, nocturnal and uncontrolled eating among others), varied clearly between FM-to-FFM (fat mass to fat-free mass) tertiles and genders. This ratio (FM-to-FFM) correlated inversely with physical activity levels, especially in general sports engagement and strength training, impacting the BMI and body composition directly to the health-related behaviors. Thanks to articles like those included in this issue, we have more information about balancing macronutrients in athletes, which promises more practical information for athletes and their coaching staff in search of greater performance and better health.Thanks to articles like those included in this Research Topic, we have more information about Balancing Macronutrients in Athletes, which promises more practical information for athletes and their coaching staff in search of greater performance and better health.