Dietary Habits, Nutrition Knowledge, and Body Composition of Collegiate Club Athletes

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.