A survey was conducted to examine the source of information and usage of nutritional supplements in 115 male and 88 female varsity athletes at a Division I university. The survey asked each athlete to define supplement, and report supplement use and type, source of information, and reasons for use. Supplement use frequencies were determined, and comparisons were made between gender and sport. Eighty-nine percent of the subjects had or were currently using nutritional supplements. Many athletes did not consider sports drinks and calorie replacement products as supplements. Females were more likely to take calcium and multivitamins, and males had significant intake for ginseng, amino acids, glutamine, hydroxy-methyl-buterate (HMB), weight gainers, whey protein, and Juven. The most frequently used supplements overall were energy drinks (73%), calorie replacement products of all types (61.4%), multivitamin (47.3%), creatine (37.2%), and vitamin C (32.4%). There was also significant supplement use noted per sport. Females were more likely to obtain information from family members regarding supplementation, and males from a store nutritionist, fellow athletes, friends, or a coach. Female athletes were more likely to take supplements for their health or because of an inadequate diet, while men reported taking supplements to improve speed and agility, strength and power, or for weight/muscle gain.

BACKGROUND Little data has been collected on the nutrition knowledge and self efficacy of NCAA Athletes, and if Sports Nutrition Departments at Universities do positively affect the nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy of athletes.OBJECTIVES To determine and compare differences in nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy of athletes at two NCAA Division I Universities, one with a Sports Nutrition Department, and one without. SETTING Participants completed a survey in person at their respective University. PARTICIPANTS Male and female student athletes (n=327) from two Division I Universities, participating in men's football, men's wrestling, women's soccer, or women's swimming/diving. RESULTSApproximately 42% of the participants (n=137) were from School A, the University without a full-time Sports Registered Dietitian (RD), and approximately 58% (n=190) were from School B, the University with a full-time Sports RD. In general, a significantly higher number of athletes from school B received their nutrition information from a Sports RD (p < 0.05). Athletes from school A received most of their nutrition information from a strength and conditioning coach (28%), family (23%), and the internet (26%). Athletes from school B identified their main sources of nutrition information as strength and conditioning coaches (43%), teammates (26%), the internet (28%), and a Registered Dietitian (24%). A significant amount more athletes from school B identified that they actively seek out nutrition information, were aware of how many calories they should consume, and identified having a Sports Nutritionist at their University benefiting them as an athlete (p < 0.05). More significant differences were found regarding sources of nutrition information and counseling and nutrition knowledge among football athletes than among the other three sports (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThe athletes from the University with the full-time Sports RD more often sought out nutrition information, saw more importance in seeking out nutrition information, were more knowledgeable about nutrition, and were more confident in making certain nutrition decisions. Each Division I University should have, on campus, a full time Sports Registered Dietitian.4