Nutritional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Food Practices among Competitive Athletes, Recreational Athletes and Non-Participants

The objective of tole study was to compare nutritional knowledge, attitudes and food practices of competitive athletes, recreational athletes and non-participants. All students enrolled at the University of Nebraska in an Introductory Nutrition course in which sports nutrition was stressed, were asked to participate in the study. The course was typical of many introductory nutrition courses ; about two thirds of the students were from the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and most of the students were encouraged to take this course by their advisers. The students were divided into three groups : 20 competitive athletes (mostly runners, swimmers, basketball players and football players for the University), 14 recreational athletes (who were involved in a planned exercise program at least 2 hours per week), and 19 non-participants. At the beginning of the semester, students completed a food frequency questionnaire, and a 24-hour food record based on the Food Guide Pyramid. A nutrition knowledge and attitude questionnaire was formulated specifically for this study, covering normal nutrition and sports nutrition. The results showed that consumption of foods from all Food Guide Pyramid food groups except the fats/oils/sweets group was not significantly different among the three student groups. Regarding the fats/oils/sweets group, competitive athletes consumed significantly more numbers of servings than recreational athletes, while the recreational athletes consumed significantly more than non-participants (p<0.01). The total mean scores from the nutrition attitude and knowledge questionnaire were not significantly different among the three student groups. However, combined athletes (competitive athletes and recreational athletes) obtained significantly higher scores on some of the nutrition attitude questions (p<0.05). The results of the study indicate that athletes, significantly lower scores on some of the nutrition knowledge questions (p<0.05). The results of the study indicate that athletes, whether competitive or some of the nutrition knowledge questions (p<0.05). The results of the study indicate that athletes, whether competitive or recreational, had a very positive attitude regarding the effects of nutrition on their sports performance and health: however, these athletes did not appear to apply scientific principles of sports nutrition to their diet. In conclusion, advising athletes to simply increase or decrease their intakes of certain foods is too simplistic an approach for maintenance of good health and for better sporting performance. Athletes and non-athletes need continuous nutrition education to help with improving their competitive edge and food choices.