Nutrition practices and knowledge among NCAA Division III football players

Abstract

BackgroundParticipation in collegiate American football is physically demanding and may have long-term health implications, particularly in relation to cardiovascular and neurological health. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III (DIII) football players are a relatively unstudied population, particularly in terms of their dietary habits and knowledge. The aim of the present study was to descriptively evaluate the dietary intake of DIII football players including a subset of linemen and assess the nutritional knowledge and sources of information of these athletes.MethodsThe study sample was 88 DIII football players including a subset of nine linemen. All participants completed a food frequency questionnaire, and a nutritional knowledge questionnaire that included a quiz and questions about their main sources of nutrition information. Heights and body masses were also recorded. The linemen submitted written 3-day diet records for assessment of their dietary intake.ResultsOf the 88 participants, >50% reported consuming starches/grains, meat and dairy daily, but <50% reported consuming fruits and vegetables daily. Protein powders were the most commonly used supplements (33% reported daily use). Compared to dietary recommendations, linemen consumed high amounts of total fat, saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, sodium, and potassium, but were low in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential fats. The mean nutrition knowledge quiz score for the 88 participants was 55.2%. Those who had taken a nutrition or health course in college scored significantly higher on the quiz than those who had not. Participants reported relying primarily on coaches, websites, and athletic trainers (ATs) for nutritional guidance; ATs were the most trusted source.ConclusionsDIII football players had dietary habits that may both mitigate and increase their risk of chronic diseases. These athletes have room to improve their nutrition knowledge. Their reliance on athletic team staff for nutrition guidance highlights the importance of nutrition education for both athletes and staff and the potential role of a registered dietitian nutritionist.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0170-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Australian team sports athletes prefer dietitians, the internet and nutritionists for sports nutrition information

“…While many respondents (48%) reported that they had been previously given diet advice from their coach or trainer, only 2% of athletes actually selected “coach” their most preferred source of nutrition information. This is in contrast to existing international reports, which found that American college athletes were more likely to seek advice from a trainer or coach than a dietitian, and felt more comfortable discussing their nutritional needs with their trainer, coach, parent or friend than with a dietitian. These differences may be reflective of varying roles of a sporting coach in an Australian and international context.…”

“…Studies that have evaluated American collegiate athletes' preferred nutrition information sources have reported mixed findings; including that athletes are most likely to seek information from a strength and conditioning coach, 9 a physician, 10 the media and the internet, 10 their parents and family, 11 an athletic trainer, 12 and their coach. 13 Indian college athletes preferred obtaining nutrition information from their parents, 14 while Iranian 14 and Nigerian 15 athletes were most likely to obtain nutrition information from their coaches. To our knowledge, only three studies in Australian athletes have assessed preferred sources of information.…”

Prediction of Athletic Performance through Nutrition Knowledge and Practice: A Cross-Sectional Study among Young Team Athletes

“…However, sweat rates influencing sodium loss can differ broadly among individuals. Hence, considering each athlete's unique physiological needs, guidelines for sodium intake should be established (Abbey, Wright, Christina, & Kirkpatrick, 2017). A research finding suggested that dietary fibre enhances athletic performance, reduces physical stress, and augments the normal diurnal changes in cortisol levels (Sugiyama, Yamaguchi, Hu, A. Kobayashi, & H. Kobayashi, 2017).…”

Association of Nutrition Knowledge, Practice, Supplement use and Nutrient Intake with Athletic Performance Among Taekwondo Players in Nepal

“…In this study, based on the correct response of the nutrition knowledge and practice score, the study participants exhibited a relatively low level of nutrition knowledge and practice compared to previous ndings, a study conducted by Folasire OF et al (2015) and Abbey et al (2017), where less than half (42.8%) and (35%) had poor nutritional knowledge [20,27]. However, our result is in line with the other studies report where overall nutrition knowledge scores were low [9,28].…”