The impact of time-restricted feeding on energy and macronutrient intake among elite Jordanian football players: a randomized controlled trial

Background Nutrition is a key factor in optimizing training, performance, recovery, and health among athletes. Intermittent fasting (IF) is one of the nutritional strategies. Objective To compare the effect of an 8-week time-restricted feeding (TRF) protocol vs. a standard diet on energy and macronutrient intake among professional football players. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 30 professional adult male football players, a 16/8 time-restricted feeding (TRF) group vs. a control group. Dietary intake was assessed pre- and post-intervention (12 weeks) using a 7-day food record. Data were analyzed for energy and nutrient intake using ESHA Food Processor® software. Results At baseline, both groups consumed less energy and carbohydrates than recommended for elite athletes. Following the 8-week intervention, total energy and macronutrient intakes increased slightly in both groups, but changes were not statistically significant for energy or carbohydrates. The TRF group increased mean energy intake from 33 ± 8.0 to 36 ± 4.9 kcal/kg/day and carbohydrate intake from 4.02 ± 1.48 to 4.27 ± 0.82 g/kg/day, while the Control group increased from 38 ± 12.2 to 42 ± 11.0 kcal/kg/day and from 4.58 ± 2.11 to 5.13 ± 1.73 g/kg/day, respectively. Protein intake significantly decreased within the TRF group (from 2.21 ± 0.60 to 1.84 ± 0.51 g/kg/day, p = 0.01), while the Control group showed no significant change. Fat intake increased in both groups but without significant between-group differences. Despite modest improvements, both groups continued to fall below recommended energy and carbohydrate targets, and vitamins D and K remained markedly insufficient post-intervention. Conclusion TRF did not significantly improve energy or macronutrient intake compared to the standard diet. Both groups exhibited persistent energy and carbohydrate deficits and inadequate vitamin D and K intake, highlighting the need for structured nutrition support regardless of feeding pattern.