Self-reported Dietary Protein Intake Beliefs And Preferences Of Adolescent Athletes

Plant-based protein consumption has become a growing trend worldwide. However, whether this trend is present within Gen Z adolescent athletes is currently unknown. Given the higher protein requirements of adolescent athletes compared to non-athletes, understanding protein preferences, beliefs, and behavior is important for guiding nutrition recommendations for this unique population. PURPOSE: To investigate the most preferred protein source (animal vs. plant-based protein) as well as protein intake beliefs and behaviors in a group of adolescent athletes. METHODS: Adolescent athletes (n = 212, 12-19 y; 148 male, 64 female,) representing 10 sports from public and private schools in the U.S. completed a standardized electronic survey assessing their beliefs, behaviors, and preferences regarding dietary protein intake. Athletes were asked to identify their most preferred protein source and if they consume protein supplements as part of their normal diet. Beliefs concerning animal vs. plant-based proteins on athlete health and performance were also evaluated. Frequencies of all responses were assessed. Comparisons between male and female athletes were performed using a Chi-Square test as appropriate. RESULTS: Plant-based protein was the most preferred protein source in 5.2% of athletes (5.4% of males, 4.7% of females) compared to 94.8% reporting animal-based protein as their preferred source. Additionally, 66.2% of athletes reported consuming some form of protein supplement at least one day/week. There were no significant differences between male and female adolescent athletes for preferred protein source (p = 0.83) or consumption of protein supplements (p = 0.62). Regarding beliefs, 63.2% and 68.4% of athletes reported animal-based protein as superior to plant-based for athletic performance and for building muscle, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite the recent growth of plant-based dietary preferences, the predominant majority (>90%) of adolescent athletes typically consume dietary protein from animal-based sources. Additionally, most adolescent athletes consume protein supplements as part of their normal diet in agreement with previous research. Further research may be needed to evaluate specific reasons for dietary protein preferences more thoroughly in this cohort.