Sports Nutrition Knowledge among Mid-Major Division I University Student-Athletes

Abstract EN

Competitive athletes have goals to optimize performance and to maintain healthy body composition.

Sports nutrition is a component of training programs often overlooked by student-athletes and their coaches.

The purpose of this study was to examine student-athletes’ sports nutrition knowledge across sex, class level, team, and completion of prior nutrition coursework.

Participants included 123 mid-major Division I university student-athletes (47 females and 76 males) from baseball, softball, men’s soccer, track and field, and tennis.

The student-athletes completed a survey questionnaire to determine adequate sports nutrition knowledge (mean ≥ 75%).

The overall mean sports nutrition knowledge score for the student-athletes was 56.9% which was considered inadequate sports nutrition knowledge (mean < 75%).

Only 12 student-athletes achieved adequate sports nutrition knowledge score of 75% or higher.

There were no differences by sex, class level, team, and completion of prior nutrition coursework.

Student-athletes’ inadequate sports nutrition knowledge may place them at nutrition risk, lead to impaired performance, and affect their lean body mass and energy levels.

Athletics personnel should not assume student-athletes have adequate sports nutrition knowledge.

Athletic departments may make available a board certified Sports Dietitian or Registered Dietitian and offer classroom or online courses facilitating student-athletes to optimize nutrition knowledge and behaviors.