Dietary Habits, Nutrition Knowledge, and Body Composition of Collegiate Club Athletes
Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
Background: Collegiate club sports are not affiliated with the official athletic department for the university, and therefore are without comparable resources, like access to sports dietitians and specialized trainers. There is a large gap in literature specifically aimed at this collegiate population. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the nutritional status, including body composition and nutrient intake, and nutrition and exercise habits of collegiate club student athletes. Design: 21 club sport athletes, 4 males and 17 females volunteered to complete an online nutrition survey, a 24-hour dietary intake recall, and skinfold body composition assessment. Data collection included 3-site skinfold body composition measurements, nutrient analysis based on a 24-hour dietary intake recall, and answers collected from the online nutrition survey. Results: Body composition results varied by sport and gender (Height 63”-73”, Weight 125#- 185#, Age 18y-24y, and %BF 4.1%-29.1%). Participants, on average, over-consumed total fat and saturated fat, while under-consuming carbohydrates and fiber (females). Micronutrients of concern included low potassium and Vitamin D intake and high sodium intakes. Some participants demonstrated nutrition knowledge deficits, but most showed an eagerness to learn more about nutrition. Conclusion: With the support of more research on collegiate club athletes, advocacy for access to sports dietitians and education programs could improve this population’s health, nutrition knowledge, and performance.Type
textElectronic Thesis
Degree Name
B.S.Degree Level
bachelorsDegree Program
Honors CollegeNutritional Sciences