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Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Gender differences and access to a sports dietitian influence dietary habits of collegiate athletes

Authors: Michael V. Hull, Andrew R. Jagim, Jonathan M. Oliver, Mike Greenwood, Deanna R. Busteed, Margaret T. Jones

Published in: Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Limited research exists on the effect of a sports dietitian (SD) on athletes’ dietary habits and nutrient periodization, which is the deliberate manipulation of macronutrient intake to match training goals. Further, the difference in dietary habits between men and women collegiate athletes has been understudied. A survey questionnaire examining dietary habits and practices was administered to athletes at two universities that employed a full time SD. Not all athletes used the SD as their primary source for nutritional guidance. The purposes were to examine the effect of a SD as a primary source of nutrition information, and the effect of gender on dietary habits in collegiate athletes.

Methods

Three hundred eighty-three women (n = 240) and men (n = 143) student-athletes (mean ± SD: age = 19.7 ± 1.4 years) from 10 collegiate sports took a 15-min survey consisting of questions on dietary habits and practices. Topics queried included eating habits, breakfast habits, hydration habits, nutritional supplementation use, pre-workout nutrition, post-workout nutrition, nutrition during team trips, and nutrient timing. Data were sorted by the athlete’s source of nutritional information (i.e., sport dietitian, other). Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics and 2-way Pearson X2 analyses (p ≤ 0.10).

Results

When a SD was indicated as the primary nutrition information source, athletes appeared to have a greater understanding of nutrient periodization (47.12 % vs. 32.85 %), were more likely to have school-provided boxed meals while on team trips (21.29 % vs. 6.77 %), and also less likely to consume fast food while on team trips (9.90 % vs. 19.55 %). Men athletes consumed fast food or restaurant meals more frequently, had higher weekly and more frequent alcohol intake during the competitive season. Women athletes were more likely to prepare meals, eat breakfast 7 days a week, and have school-provided boxed meals.

Conclusions

Positive effects on dietary habits were observed when a SD was the primary nutrition information source. Practitioners should be aware of the gender differences in alcohol intake, fast food consumption, and knowledge of nutrient periodization. Collegiate athletes and athletic staff members could benefit from SD access to safeguard against dietary habits detrimental to performance.
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Metadata
Title
Gender differences and access to a sports dietitian influence dietary habits of collegiate athletes
Authors
Michael V. Hull
Andrew R. Jagim
Jonathan M. Oliver
Mike Greenwood
Deanna R. Busteed
Margaret T. Jones
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-016-0149-4

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