A study on the influence of experience and education on nutritional knowledge in collegiate athletes

Background: Optimal dietary habits enhance sports performance by supplying energy required for high-intensity activities, aiding recovery, and supporting an athlete’s overall health. Nutritional knowledge is crucial for ensuring that athletes make informed food choices. However, gaps in nutrition education among collegiate athletes remain concerning.Objective: This study assessed the nutritional knowledge of collegiate athletes and examined the influence of sports experience and formal education on nutritional knowledge.Methods: A purposive sampling method was employed to select 100 athletes from various disciplines. Data were collected through structured survey interviews, using a validated questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including the Chi-Square test and Pearson correlation, were conducted to assess the relationships between variables.Results: The findings revealed that 57% of the participants had low nutritional knowledge, with only 5% demonstrating a high level of understanding. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.390, p < 0.001) was observed between nutritional education received in college and athletes\' knowledge levels, indicating gaps in the effectiveness of formal instruction. No significant association (p = 0.198) was found between years of experience and nutritional knowledge.Conclusion: The results highlight a critical need for improved and targeted nutrition education for collegiate athletes. Integrating sports nutritionists into athletic programs and providing sport-specific educational interventions can bridge the knowledge gap and enhance dietary practices. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of nutrition interventions on performance and health outcomes.