Elite adolescent male soccer players require further education to improve sports nutrition knowledge

This descriptive study investigates the sports nutrition knowledge among adolescent male soccer players from a professional soccer club. A total of fifteen participants completed the validated online Finland Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. Findings revealed that 62% of the players answered all nutrition knowledge questions correctly. Notably, 80% of participants demonstrated a high level of knowledge regarding fluid balance and hydration. A moderate understanding was observed for dietary supplements, with 67% correctly identifying appropriate usage, and 63% correctly answering questions on nutrition recommendations for elite athletes. Conversely, lower levels of knowledge were evident in areas concerning energy intake and recovery, with only 52% correct responses, and the relationship between food choices and body image, with 54% correct. The results indicate a need for targeted nutrition education focused on enhancing sports nutrition knowledge for performance and recovery, as well as revising the questionnaire to better address the food choices and body image relationship based on qualitative interviews. [NPID: adolescent, sports, nutrition education, performance, body image]

Year: 2025

Reference: Hart, J., Smith, K., & Jackson, K. (2025). Elite adolescent male soccer players require further education to improve sports nutrition knowledge. Academia Nutrition and Dietetics, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.20935/AcadNutr7656

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