Time to ‘Power-Up’ Esports Performance Nutrition: A Systematic Scoping Review

Objective: The aim of this scoping review was to explore existing evidence on the nutritional intake and performance of esport athletes.

Methods: The JBI Guidance for Scoping Reviews was followed to conduct a systematic search of MEDLINE and EBSCOHost for peer-reviewed original research articles. Articles were required to classify participants as esport athletes and consider nutritional intake, including the use of dietary supplements, in the context of training and competition.

Results: 14 records were identified, and key findings charted. Seven studies aimed to record habitual dietary intake and links to health and performance in esport athletes. The remaining 7 studies were nutritional supplement interventions with 5/7 using caffeine alone or in combination with other ingredients. On analysis two main themes were identified: 1) Sub-optimal dietary habits; and 2) Impact of supplements on cognitive and gaming performance.

Conclusion: Current research suggests that esport athletes believe a healthy diet is important for performance. However, emerging evidence suggests they have sub-optimal dietary habits that may negatively influence their health and performance. Whilst energy drinks are widely used, nutritional supplements have shown equivocal results on performance to date.

Keywords: Esports; diet; supplements; performance