The Influence of Sport Nutrition Knowledge on Body Composition and Perceptions of Dietary Requirements in Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

Sport nutrition knowledge has been shown to influence dietary habits of athletes. The purpose of the current study was to examine relationships between sport nutrition knowledge and body composition and examine potential predictors of body weight goals in collegiate athletes. Participants included National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III women (n = 42, height: 169.9 ± 6.9 cm; body mass: 67.1 ± 8.6 kg; fat-free mass: 51.3 ± 6.6 kg; body fat per cent: 24.2 ± 5.3%) and men (n = 25, height: 180.8 ± 7.2 cm; body mass: 89.2 ± 20.5 kg; fat-free mass: 75.9 ± 12.2 kg; body fat per cent: 13.5 ± 8.9%) athletes. Body composition was assessed via air displacement plethysmography. Athletes completed a validated questionnaire designed to assess sport nutrition knowledge and were asked questions about their perceived dietary energy and macronutrient requirements, as well as their body weight goal (i.e., lose, maintain, gain weight). Athletes answered 47.98 ± 11.29% of questions correctly on the nutrition questionnaire with no differences observed between sexes (men: 49.52 ± 11.76% vs. women: 47.03 ± 11.04%; p = 0.40). An inverse relationship between sport nutrition knowledge scores and body fat percentage (BF%) (r = –0.330; p = 0.008), and fat mass (r = –.268; p = 0.032) was observed for all athletes. Fat mass (β = 0.224), BF% (β = 0.217), and body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.421) were all significant (p < 0.05) predictors of body weight goal in women. All athletes significantly (p < 0.001) underestimated daily energy (–1,360 ± 610.2 kcal/day), carbohydrate (–301.6 ± 149.2 grams/day [g/day]), and fat (–41.4 ± 34.5 g/day) requirements. Division III collegiate athletes have a low level of sport nutrition knowledge, which was associated with a higher BF%. Women athletes with a higher body weight, BF% and BMI were more likely to select weight loss as a body weight goal. Athletes also significantly underestimated their energy and carbohydrate requirements based upon the demands of their sport, independent of sex.

Assessment of Sport Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Practices, and Sources of Nutrition Information in NCAA Division III Collegiate Athletes

“…In a direct comparison to the only other study that utilized this assessment tool, the developers of the survey found a mean score of 15.9 and a correct score percentage of 55.4% in their population of adult athletes, a majority of whom (61.9%) were collegiate athletes and female (70.8%) [ 26 ]. Regardless, based on the previously reported cutoff of 75% for exhibiting “adequate” or “excellent” knowledge [ 22 , 25 , 29 ], our results are in line with the majority of studies showing inadequate nutrition knowledge in collegiate athletes [ 16 ]. Furthermore, these results indicate that NCAA DIII collegiate athletes, who typically lack robust institutional resources, are particularly in need of sport nutrition education and could benefit from greater institutional support.…”

“…Indeed, the relevant literature has consistently shown that the dietary intakes of collegiate athletes do not typically meet the recommended nutrient intakes [ 6 , 7 , 36 , 37 , 38 ]. This could potentially be due to a mismatch between perceptions of dietary requirements and actual needs [ 25 ]. Thus, while dietary habits may be prudent, gross intakes may not be sufficient, placing athletes at risk for LEA and developing RED-S [ 10 ] and overtraining syndrome [ 39 ].…”

“…Furthermore, we also failed to assess ethnicity or socioeconomic status, two factors that are likely to play crucial roles in nutrition knowledge and dietary behaviors [ 44 ]. For example, in a recent study by Jagim et al that assessed NCAA DIII collegiate athletes [ 25 ], one of the reported reasons for skipping meals was financial restrictions, particularly among the female respondents. Thus, future studies should aim to include additional factors and barriers to nutrition that can better help contextualize the data and tease out the most important contributors to dietary practices and knowledge in athletes.…”

“…In recent years, a number of studies have been conducted assessing the level of nutrition knowledge in a wide range of athletes [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. While some studies suggest that athletes may have sufficient nutrition knowledge [ 19 , 20 , 21 ], others suggest that the nutrition knowledge is inadequate [ 18 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ], particularly in collegiate athletes [ 16 , 18 , 23 ]. In this population, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (DI) athletes have been the primary subjects of interest, with little attention being paid to Division IIII (DIII) athletes that constitute the largest proportion of participating NCAA institutions (approximately 40% of total athletes).…”

Energy-Adjusted Dietary Intakes Are Associated with Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating but Not Food Insecurity or Sports Nutrition Knowledge in a Pilot Study of ROTC Cadets

“…Despite nutritional education initiatives [ 12 ] and access to healthcare professionals, active-duty soldiers, regardless of rank, indicate that they feel that their nutrition is “out of their control”, stating that the current environmental and cultural norms of military life discourage healthful choices while encouraging poor ones [ 13 ]. Similarly, among college athletes, a lack of time (31.8%), a lack of knowledge (28.6%), and financial restrictions (21.0%) are the most frequently reported obstacles to optimal nutrition [ 14 ].…”