A Qualitative Investigation of Factors Influencing the Dietary Intakes of Professional Australian Football Players

Risk of low energy availability and nutrition knowledge among female team sport athletes

BACKGROUND

Nutrition knowledge influences adequate dietary intake in athletes. Inadequate dietary intakes can result in low energy availability (LEA) which can lead to relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). To date, there is little information on the relationship between nutrition knowledge and the risk of LEA in female team sport athletes. This study investigates if general and sports nutrition knowledge are associated with the risk of LEA in female team athletes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional design was used. Female athletes (>16 years) who participate in team sports in New Zealand were asked to complete an online questionnaire. The LEA in Females Questionnaire and the Abridged Sport Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire were included. LEA risk and general/sports nutrition knowledge were assessed. The relationship between LEA risk and knowledge was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis Test of independent variables and χ2 tests.

RESULTS

Among 100 female athletes, 53% were at-risk for LEA, and 70% (N.=67) had poor nutrition knowledge. Athletes who were "at-risk" for LEA and those who were "not at-risk" for LEA did not differ statistically in terms of age (P=0.350) or BMI (P=0.576). Of those "not at risk" 54% had an A-NSK score between 50 and 60% (i.e., average knowledge), whereas 54% of the athletes who were "at risk" for LEA had poor nutrition knowledge. There was no statistical difference between the groups (P=0.273).

CONCLUSIONS

The poor nutrition knowledge and the high rates of those "at risk" of LEA among team sports athletes indicates the need for more nutrition education in this population.

Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Division III Athletes Regarding Personalized Nutrition Plans for Improved Performance-A Qualitative Investigation

(1) Background: This qualitative study explores Division III college student-athletes' experiences and perceptions of personalized nutrition plans in collegiate sports settings. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a general qualitative research design. Using a grounded theory approach, a thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the interview transcripts, allowing for the identification of recurring themes and patterns. (3) Results: A total of 30 Division III college student-athletes, 16 males (53.3%) and 14 females (46.7%), representing a diverse range of sports disciplines, engaged in discussions about personalized nutrition plans. Analysis of the data revealed five main themes: (1) Nutritional Knowledge and Awareness, (2) Perceived Benefits of Personalized Nutrition Plans, (3) Challenges and Barriers to Implementation, (4) Influence of Team Culture and Environment, and (5) Suggestions for Improvement. (4) Conclusion: This study sheds light on the complexities of implementing personalized nutrition plans in collegiate sports settings and emphasizes the need for comprehensive, athlete-centered approaches to optimize performance and well-being.

An online exploratory survey of Australian athletes' and exercisers' use of and attitudes towards ultra-processed sports foods

Sports foods are convenient alternatives to everyday foods to fuel performance. Strong scientific evidence supports their use; however, commercial sports foods are classified by the NOVA system as ultra-processed foods (UPF). Consumption of UPF has been associated with poor mental and physical health, but little is known about athletes' consumption of and attitudes towards sports foods as a source of UPF. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess Australian athletes' intake of and attitudes towards sports foods and UPF. Adult athletes were recruited to complete an anonymous online survey via social media between October 2021 and February 2022. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and Pearson's χ2 test was used to assess potential relationships between categorical demographic variables and consumption of sports foods. One hundred forty Australian adults participating in recreational (n 55), local/regional (n 52), state (n 11), national (n 14) or international (n 9) sports completed the survey. Ninety-five percent reported consuming sports foods within the past 12 months. Participants consumed sports drinks most commonly (73 %) and isolated protein supplements most frequently (40 % at least once per week). Participants reported everyday foods to be more affordable, taste better, present less risk of banned substances, but less convenient and greater risk of spoilage. Half (51 %) of participants reported concern about health effects of UPF. Participants reported regular UPF consumption despite taste and cost-related preferences for everyday foods and health concerns regarding UPF intake. Athletes may need support to identify and access safe, affordable, convenient, minimally processed alternatives to sports foods.

Athlete Preferences for Nutrition Education: Development of and Findings from a Quantitative Survey

Nutrition education (NE) is one of several strategies aimed at enhancing the dietary intake of athletes. This study investigated NE preferences of New Zealand and Australian athletes competing nationally and internationally. Athletes (n = 124, 22 (18, 27) years, female 54.8%) from 22 sports completed an online survey, with responses analysed using descriptive statistics. Teaching techniques considered 'extremely effective' were life examples (47.6% of athletes), hands-on activities (30.6%), and discussions with a facilitator (30.6%). Setting personal nutrition goals was important to most athletes (83.9%), along with two-way feedback with a facilitator (75.0%). General nutrition topics considered 'essential' were energy requirements (52.9%), hydration (52.9%), and nutrient deficiencies (43.3%). Performance topics considered 'essential' were recovery (58.1%), pre-exercise nutrition (51.6%), nutrition during exercise (50.0%), and energy requirements for training (49.2%). Athletes preferred a 'combination of in-person group and one-on-one sessions' (25% of athletes), 'one-on one sessions' (19.2%) and 'in-person group sessions' (18.3%), with only 13.3% interested in 'exclusively online delivery'. Sessions of 31-60 min (61.3% of athletes) held monthly (37.5%) and undertaken with athletes of the same sporting calibre (61.3%) were favoured by the participants. The preferred facilitator was a performance dietitian or nutritionist (82.1% of athletes), who had knowledge of the sport (85.5%), experience in sports nutrition (76.6%), and credibility (73.4%). This research provides novel insights into the factors that need to be considered when designing and implementing nutrition education for athletes.

A systematic review update of athletes' nutrition knowledge and association with dietary intake

Athletes' dietary intakes sometimes do not meet sports nutrition guidelines. Nutrition knowledge (NK) is one factor that may influence dietary intake, but NK measurement tools are often outdated or unvalidated, and results regarding athletes' NK are equivocal. The aims of this systematic review were to update previous systematic reviews by examining athletes' NK and to assess the relationship between athletes' general NK, sport NK and dietary intake. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched for studies published between November 2015 and November 2020 that provided a quantitative measure of NK and described the NK tool used. Twenty-eight studies were included, study quality was assessed using JBI checklists and data on NK score and diet intake was extracted. Eight studies utilised validated, up-to-date NK measurement tools. Mean general and sport NK% scores varied between 40·2% ± 12·4 and 70 % ± 9. Mean protein and carbohydrate consumption was 1·1-3·4 g/kg.bw/d and 2·4-4·6 g/kg.bw/d, respectively. Weak-to-moderate, positive associations were found between NK and positive dietary behaviours. Due to a wide variety of NK measurement tools used, it is difficult to synthesise results to determine overall NK in athletes. Overall, there appears to be a low standard of knowledge. Quality of measurement tools for NK has improved but remains an issue. Future studies should use relevant, current validated NK tools or validate tools in their study population. More research is needed into the relationship between NK and other modifiable factors influencing dietary intake.