Sports Nutrition and Food Knowledge among Malaysian University Athletes

Sports nutrition and food knowledge can influence athletes’ dietary intake, potentially affecting athletic performance. Limited studies have been conducted to identify sports nutrition and food knowledge among Malaysian university athletes. This study aimed to determine Malaysian university athletes’ knowledge of sports nutrition and food, and their reference sources and preferred sports nutrition education programme. Seventy athletes (52.9% females, mean weight = 61.8 kg; height = 1.66 m) aged 18.5–22.4 years responded to an online survey administered using a Google Form. A score of ≥60% was considered as adequate knowledge. The average overall knowledge score was 58.6%. The highest knowledge score was for sports nutrition, specifically food intake periodicity (84.8%), while the lowest was for general food knowledge on fat (44.6%). An analysis of specific questions revealed a lack of understanding about the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables (only 14.3% answered correctly), the roles of vitamins and minerals in energy production (21.4%), and good sources of unsaturated fat (37.2%). The academician was the primary reference source (81%), while magazines were the least referred to sources (36%). The university athletes preferred sports camps (33%) over the other nutrition education programme options. More initiatives are needed to improve Malaysian university athletes’ understanding and knowledge of sports nutrition and general food.     

The Effects of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Sports Nutrition Knowledge during a Competitive Season in Highly Trained Adolescent Swimmers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a seven-week nutrition education intervention on the sports nutrition knowledge (SNK) of highly trained UK adolescent swimmers. Fifteen national and international adolescent swimmers (males = 5; females = 10, 15.5 ± 1.1 years, 170.2 ± 7.5 cm, 60.3 ± 5.7 kg) participated in the study during seven consecutive weeks of the competitive swimming season. The participants received 30 min of nutrition education once per week in a classroom-based setting after they had completed their regular swim training. An undergraduate sports nutrition student delivered all nutrition education sessions and SNK questionnaires were administered to the participants pre- and post-intervention. The mean total SNK score improved by 8.3% (SD = 8.4%, 95% CI = 4.1–12.6; p = 0.006; ES = 1.0) following the nutrition education sessions. On an individual basis, ten swimmers significantly improved their total SNK score, whereas four swimmers did not improve, and one swimmer performed significantly worse after the intervention. Moreover, the swimmers’ knowledge of hydration improved by 22.2% (SD = 20.6%, 95% CI = 11.8–32.6, p = 0.004, ES = 1.1) over the seven-week timeframe, which was the only nutrition topic to have a significantly increased knowledge score. The current study therefore suggests that a nutrition education intervention can positively influence the SNK of highly trained adolescent swimmers.     

Nutritional Status and Implementation of a Nutritional Education Program in Young Female Artistic Gymnasts

Adolescent high-performance gymnasts are considered to be at risk for low energy intake. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of implementing a nutritional education program during the sports season on the nutritional status and nutrition knowledge of the female artistic gymnasts from the Technification Center of the Balearic Islands (n = 24; age, 14.1 ± 2.3 years). A quasi-experimental intervention design was applied, which consisted of implementing a nutritional education program of seven sessions given during eight months. Measurements of nutritional intake, nutrition knowledge, and anthropometric parameters, as well as hematological and biochemical blood parameters, were performed. Gymnasts reported low energy and carbohydrate intakes, with significant increases during the study (energy, 28.3 ± 1.4 vs. 32.8 ± 1.4 kcal kg⁻¹, p = 0.015, carbohydrate 3.2 ± 0.2 vs. 3.9 ± 0.2 g kg⁻¹, p = 0.004). The average values for parameters such as hemoglobin, ferritin, lipoprotein, and vitamin C and E levels in the plasma were within normal ranges. Low intakes of most of the food groups were observed during the study, with similar initial and final values. Nutrition knowledge did not change as a result of the study (28.0 ± 1.7 vs. 31.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.185). In conclusion, gymnasts reported low energy intakes. However, blood markers and most of the anthropometrical parameters measured were within normal ranges. The nutrition education program implemented did not produce significant improvements in the dietary habits or nutritional knowledge of gymnasts.     

Nutrition Knowledge Is Associated with Energy Availability and Carbohydrate Intake in Young Female Cross-Country Skiers

The aim of this study was to provide information on energy availability (EA), macronutrient intake, nutritional periodization practices, and nutrition knowledge in young female cross-country skiers. A total of 19 skiers filled in weighted food and training logs before and during a training camp. Nutrition knowledge was assessed via a validated questionnaire. EA was optimal in 11% of athletes at home (mean 33.7 ± 9.6 kcal·kgFFM⁻¹·d⁻¹) and in 42% at camp (mean 40.3 ± 17.3 kcal·kgFFM⁻¹·d⁻¹). Most athletes (74%) failed to meet recommendations for carbohydrate intake at home (mean 5.0 ± 1.2 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) and 63% failed to do so at camp (mean 7.1 ± 1.6 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹). The lower threshold of the pre-exercise carbohydrate recommendations was met by 58% and 89% of athletes while percentages were 26% and 89% within 1 h after exercise, at home and at camp, respectively. None of the athletes met the recommendations within 4 h after exercise. Nutrition knowledge was associated with EA at home (r = 0.52, p = 0.023), and with daily carbohydrate intake at home (r = 0.62, p = 0.005) and at camp (r = 0.52, p = 0.023). Carbohydrate intake within 1 and 4 h post-exercise at home was associated with better nutrition knowledge (r = 0.65, p = 0.003; r = 0.53, p = 0.019, respectively). In conclusion, young female cross-county skiers had difficulties meeting recommendations for optimal EA and carbohydrate intake. Better nutrition knowledge may help young athletes to meet these recommendations.     

Nutritional Knowledge of UK Coaches

Athletes obtain nutritional information from their coaches, yet their competency in this area is lacking. Currently, no research exists in the UK which has a different coach education system to many other countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the sports nutrition knowledge of UK coaching certificate (UKCC) level 2 and 3, hockey and netball qualified coaches. All coaches (n = 163) completed a sports nutrition questionnaire to identify: (a) if they provided nutritional advice; (b) their level of sport nutrition knowledge; and (c) factors that may have contributed to their level of knowledge. Over half the coaches provided advice to their athletes (n = 93, 57.1%), even though they were not competent to do so. Coaches responded correctly to 60.3 ± 10.5% of all knowledge questions with no differences between those providing advice and those who did not (p > 0.05). Those coaches who had undertaken formal nutrition training achieved higher scores than those who had not (p < 0.05). In conclusion, UK sports coaches would benefit from continued professional development in sports nutrition to enhance their coaching practice.     

The Impact of a ‘Remotely-Delivered’ Sports Nutrition Education Program on Dietary Intake and Nutrition Knowledge of Junior Elite Triathletes

Triathlon is a physically demanding sport, requiring athletes to make informed decisions regarding their daily food and fluid intake to align with daily training. With an increase in uptake for online learning, remotely delivered education programs offer an opportunity to improve nutritional knowledge and subsequent dietary intake in athletes. This single-arm observational study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a remotely delivered nutrition education program on sports nutrition knowledge and the dietary intake of junior elite triathletes (n = 21; female n = 9; male n = 12; 18.9 ± 1.6 y). A total of 18 participants completed dietary intake assessments (4-day food diary via Easy Diet Diary^TM) and 14 participants completed an 83-question sports nutrition knowledge assessment (Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (SNKQ)) before and after the 8-week program. Sports nutrition knowledge scores improved by 15% (p < 0.001, ES = 0.9) following the program. Male participants reported higher energy intakes before (3348 kJ, 95% CI: 117–6579; p = 0.043) and after (3644 kJ, 95% CI: 451–6836; p = 0.028) the program compared to females. Carbohydrate intake at breakfast (p = 0.022), daily intakes of fruit (p = 0.033), dairy (p = 0.01) and calcium (p = 0.029) increased following nutrition education. Irrespective of gender, participants had higher intakes of energy (p < 0.001), carbohydrate (p = 0.001), protein (p = 0.007), and fat (p = 0.007) on heavy training days compared to lighter training days before and after the program with total nutrition knowledge scores negatively correlated with discretionary food intake (r = −0.695, p = 0.001). A remotely delivered nutrition education program by an accredited sports nutrition professional improved sports nutrition knowledge and subsequent dietary intake of junior elite triathletes, suggesting remote delivery of nutrition education may prove effective when social distancing requirements prevent face-to-face opportunities.     

Eating Perception,Nutrition Knowledge and Body Image among Para-Athletes: Practical Challenges in Nutritional Support

Limited information exists on dietary practices in para-athletes. The aim of this study was to clarify the actual situation of para-athletes’ dietary practice and to sort out the factors (i.e., eating perception, nutrition knowledge, and body image), that may hinder their dietary practices, and explored the practical challenges in nutritional support and improving nutrition knowledge for para-athletes. Thirty-two Japanese para-athletes (22 men) and 45 collegiate student athletes without disabilities (27 men) participated in the online survey. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, eating perception, dietary practices, and nutrition knowledge. The Japanese version of the body appreciation scale was used to determine their body image. Para-athletes who answered that they knew their ideal amount and way of eating showed significantly higher body image scores (r = 0.604, p < 0.001). However, mean score for nutrition knowledge of para-athletes were significantly lower than collegiate student athletes (19.4 ± 6.8 vs. 24.2 ± 6.1 points, p = 0.001). Both groups did not identify a dietitian as the source of nutrition information or receiving their nutrition advice. The results indicate para-athletes have unique eating perceptions and inadequate nutrition knowledge. Future interventions are needed to examine nutritional supports and education in relation to the role of dietitians.     

Assessment of Sport Nutrition Knowledge,Dietary Practices,and Sources of Nutrition Information in NCAA Division III Collegiate Athletes

Nutrition knowledge is a critical component of meeting sport nutrition guidelines. The present study aimed to evaluate the sport nutrition knowledge of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III (DIII) athletes using a validated questionnaire, and to assess the dietary practices and sources of nutrition information in this population. A total of 331 student-athletes (n = 149 males, n = 181 females, n = 1 no sex indicated) completed the questionnaire. The mean score for total sport nutrition knowledge was 6.49 ± 8.9 (range −49 to 49) with a mean percent (%) correct score of 36.9 ± 19.1%. Athletes who had a previous college-level nutrition course (n = 62) had significantly higher (p < 0.05) total sport nutrition, carbohydrate, and hydration knowledge compared to those who did not (n = 268). Individual sport athletes (n = 90) scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) on hydration and micronutrients knowledge than team sport athletes (n = 237), while females scored higher than males for hydration knowledge (p < 0.05). The majority of athletes reported sensible dietary habits, such as not frequently skipping meals and eating carbohydrate and protein foods peri-workout. Athletes also reported their primary sources of nutrition information, the top three sources being social media, coaches, and athletic trainers, despite most frequently rating registered dietitians/nutritionists as “extremely knowledgeable”. Despite low sport nutrition knowledge, NCAA DIII collegiate athletes practiced seemingly prudent dietary habits but lacked exposure to high-quality sources of nutrition information.     

Nutrition Knowledge of Caregivers Influences Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Children 2 to 5 Years Old in Sekhukhune District,South Africa

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine caregivers'' nutrition knowledge and its influence on feeding practices and nutritional status on young children.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 120 caregiver-child pairs. A validated questionnaire was used to collect caregivers'' nutrition knowledge and feeding practices. Nutritional status was estimated using anthropometric measurements. Z-scores were computed using WHO Antro software. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between caregivers'' nutrition knowledge and feeding practices. Significance was set at p <0.05.ResultsForty three percent of caregivers reported health professionals as their source of nutrition information. Almost all children (94.2%) were breastfed at one stage in their lives, with 62.5% introduced to solid foods before six months. Maize meal porridge (87.5%) and bread (54.2%) were consumed daily by most of the children, while 48.3% consumed meat and meat products three to four times per week. One in eight children consumed fruits daily and 5.8% vegetables daily. Forty one percent of children were stunted. Family income showed positive correlation with the nutritional status of children (weight-for-age R = 0.207, p < .05; height-for-age R°=°0.203*, p°= .026). An association was observed between the duration of breastfeeding and alternative food, to milk (R = 0.302**, p = .001), amount of fruit consumed daily (R = 0.197*, p = .031) and number of meals consumed daily (R = 0.284**, p = .048). Conclusion: Nutrition knowledge and feeding practices of the caregivers were not satisfactory.     

Nutrition education by a registered dietitian improves dietary intake and nutrition knowledge of a NCAA female volleyball team

Eleven female participants from a NCAA Division I volleyball team were evaluated for adequate energy and macronutrient intake during two off-seasons. Total energy and macronutrient intake were assessed by food records and results were compared against estimated needs using the Nelson equation. Dietary intervention was employed regarding the individual dietary needs of each athlete as well as a pre- and post-sports nutrition knowledge survey. Post dietary intervention, total energy, and macronutrient intake improved, as well as a significant improvement in sports nutrition knowledge (p < 0.001). Nutrition education is useful in improving dietary intake and nutrition knowledge of female athletes.     

Adherence to COVID-19 Nutrition Guidelines Is Associated with Better Nutritional Management Behaviors of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Good nutritional support is crucial for the immune system to fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, in the context of a pandemic with a highly transmissible coronavirus, implementation of nutrition practice may be difficult. A multicenter electronic survey involving 62 dieticians was conducted, in order to understand barriers associated with dieticians’ adherence to nutrition guidelines for hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Indonesia. 69% of dieticians felt under stress when performing nutrition care, and 90% took supplements to boost their own immunity against the coronavirus. The concerns related to clinical practice included a lack of clear guidelines (74%), a lack of access to medical records (55%), inadequate experience or knowledge (48%), and a lack of self-efficacy/confidence (29%) in performing nutritional care. Half (52%) of the dieticians had performed nutrition education/counseling, 47% had monitored a patient’s body weight, and 76% had monitored a patient’s dietary intake. An adjusted linear regression showed that guideline adherence independently predicted the dieticians’ nutrition care behaviors of nutrition counselling (ß: 0.24 (0.002, 0.08); p = 0.04), and monitoring of body weight (ß: 0.43 (0.04, 0.11); p = 0.001) and dietary intake (ß: 0.47(0.03, 0.10); p = 0.001) of COVID-19 patients. Overall, adherence to COVID-19 nutrition guidelines is associated with better nutritional management behaviors in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.     

“现代营养与疾病”宣教对大学生营养知识、态度和行为的影响

目的了解＂现代营养与疾病＂宣教对某医科大学学生营养知识、态度和饮食行为的影响,为更有效地开展营养教育提供理论依据。方法随机抽取某医科大学不同专业学生213人,采用自行设计的营养知识、态度和饮食行为问卷,在＂现代营养与疾病＂宣教前后分别进行调查,使用Epidata软件录入资料,SPSS13.0软件进行统计学分析。结果在＂现代营养与疾病＂宣教前,大学生的营养知识知晓率较高,营养态度较积极,但饮食行为存在严重的不合理现象;宣教后大学生的营养知识、态度和饮食行为都得到明显改善。结论 ＂现代营养与疾病＂作为营养宣教内容,可以明显地改善大学生营养知识缺乏和营养态度不积极的现象,并促进其改变不良的饮食行为,达到促进健康的目的 。     

Nutritional education for management of osteodystrophy (NEMO) trial: Design and patient characteristics,Lebanon

This study aims to determine the effect of a trained dedicated dietitian on clinical outcomes among Lebanese hemodialysis (HD) patients: and thus demonstrate a viable developing country model. This paper describes the study protocol and baseline data. The study was a multicenter randomized controlled trial with parallel-group design involving 12 HD units: assigned to cluster A (n = 6) or B (n = 6). A total of 570 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients in cluster A were randomly assigned as per dialysis shift to the following: Dedicated Dietitian (DD) (n = 133) and Existing Practice (EP) (n = 138) protocols. Cluster B patients (n = 299) received Trained Hospital Dietitian (THD) protocol. Dietitians of the DD and THD groups were trained by the research team on Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative nutrition guidelines. DD protocol included: individualized nutrition education for 2 hours/month/HD patient for 6 months focusing on renal osteodystrophy and using the Trans-theoretical theory for behavioral change. EP protocol included nutrition education given to patients by hospital dietitians who were blinded to the study. The THD protocol included nutrition education to patients given by hospital dietitian as per the training received but within hospital responsibilities, with no set educational protocol or tools. Baseline data revealed that 40% of patients were hyperphosphatemics (> 5.5 mg/dl) with low dietary adherence and knowledge of dietary P restriction in addition to inadequate daily protein intake (58.86%± 33.87% of needs) yet adequate dietary P intake (795.52 ± 366.94 mg/day). Quality of life (QOL) ranged from 48-75% of full health. Baseline differences between the 3 groups revealed significant differences in serum P, malnutrition status, adherence to diet and P chelators and in 2 factors of the QOL: physical and social functioning. The data show room for improvement in the nutritional status of the patients. The NEMO trial may be able to demonstrate a better nutritional management of HD patients.     

Public nutrition: Why,What, How?

Public Nutrition is a field of professional study and practice that has existed for many years without being named as such. It encompasses the disciplines that deal with factors affecting the food consumption and nutritional outcomes of populations, and goes beyond the definition of Public Health Nutrition by including the study of public policy in areas outside of health and nutrition as traditionally defined, that nonetheless can have profound effects on nutrition. Career paths in Public Nutrition exist at a variety of professional levels, including practitioners and direct service providers; administrators and planners; policy makers; and researchers and educators. The professional preparation of those working in Public Nutrition typically combines education and experience in nutritional science, social science, and sometimes management and planning. The field of Public Nutrition is important in providing a critical link between advances in understanding biomedical determinants of nutrition and the application of such understanding in programs and policies. However, the study of Public Nutrition goes beyond this: it represents an agenda of research and practice in its own right. Public Nutrition includes the study of how specific policies, in varying contexts, affect food consumption and nutrition outcomes; it includes the study of determinants of program effectiveness in improving these outcomes. Specific training programs in Public Nutrition do exist; the elements of a curriculum in Public Nutrition include social science research skills (data collection, management, analysis and interpretation), an understanding of economic, social, political, and behavioral determinants of food consumption, health and nutrition; a grounding in nutritional science. Field experience is an essential part of the preparation of Public Nutrition professionals.     

Food Choice Decisions of Collegiate Division I Athletes: A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Limited research has examined athletes’ food and health beliefs and decisions and the congruence of these decisions with recommendations from nutrition professionals. This study aimed to improve understanding of athletes’ food-related beliefs and practices to enable nutrition professionals to more effectively enhance performance while protecting athletes’ health. Division I college athletes (n = 14, 64% female) from a variety of sports were recruited to participate in 20-min semi-structured phone interviews about food and nutrition-related behaviors and cognitions. Data were content analyzed to identify themes and trends. Prominent factors influencing athletes’ food choices were potential benefits to health and performance, availability of foods, and recommendations from sports dietitians. Foods commonly consumed by athletes, including fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, were generally healthy and aligned with sports nutrition recommendations. Athletes avoided energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, such as fast food and fried foods, with the goal of improving performance. Some athletes took supplements (i.e., multivitamin, iron, protein) on the premise that they would improve health and enhance performance or recovery. While athletes’ nutrition behaviors are generally congruent with current recommendations, findings highlighted misconceptions held by athletes related to the benefits of some supplements and the belief that packaged/processed foods were inherently less healthy than other options. Nutrition misconceptions held by athletes and incongruities between athletes’ nutrition knowledge and behaviors suggest that dietitians should aim to dispel misconceptions held by athletes and provide additional guidance and information to support athletes’ current healthful behaviors to ensure these behaviors extend beyond their college athletic career.     

How Does the Dietary Intake of Female Field-Based Team Sport Athletes Compare to Dietary Recommendations for Health and Performance? A Systematic Literature Review

Field-based team sports present large energetic demands given their intermittent high-intensity nature. Current evidence suggests that the dietary intake of female athletes may be insufficient to meet such demands, resulting in negative consequences for athletic performance and health. The primary aim of this review was to therefore assess the adequacy of dietary intake of female field-based team sport athletes when compared to dietary recommendations. A systematic search of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and OpenGrey, was performed from the earliest record available until July 2020, obtaining an initial total of 2588 articles. To be included within the final review, articles were required to provide a quantitative assessment of baseline dietary intake specific to the target population. A total of 20 studies (n = 462) met the full eligibility criteria. A majority reported that the dietary intake of female field-based team sport athletes was insufficient in overall energy (2064 ± 309 kcal·day⁻¹), carbohydrate (4.3 ± 1.2 g·kg·day⁻¹), and iron intake (13.6 ± 6.2 mg·day⁻¹) when compared to recommendations. Future research is required to establish why female team sport athletes consistently demonstrate deficient dietary practices, and to explore the potential negative consequences of this.     

Dietary Intake Patterns and Lifestyle Behaviors of Pregnant Women Living in a Manitoba First Nations Community: Implications for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

The information on the nutrition status of women at-risk of carrying a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is scarce, particularly in the First Nations population living on reserve. This study examined and compared nutrition status, dietary intake, and lifestyle patterns of pregnant at-risk, defined as those who consume alcoholic drink during the current pregnancy, and non-at-risk women living in northern Manitoban community. Thirty-seven pregnant, First Nations women (at-risk n = 15; non-at-risk, n = 22) were recruited to participate in the study. A questionnaire, presented in paper and iPad formats, collected information on participants’ demographics, dietary intake, lifestyle, pregnancy outcomes, and maternal health. A food frequency questionnaire and 24-h recall were used to determine nutrient intake. Nutrient values were assessed using Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI). At-risk and non-at-risk women were below the Canada Food Guide serving size recommended for Vegetable and Fruit, Grain, and Milk Products with 93%, 92%, and 93% of participants not meeting the recommendations, respectively. Women met the recommendations for vitamins A, B1, B12, C, niacin, choline, as well as calcium, and zinc. Sixty eight percentage (%) of participants did not meet the recommendations for folate and iron, and 97% for docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Significant differences were observed between non-at-risk and at-risk women for mean % DRI intakes of vitamin C (313 ± 224 vs. 172 ± 81 mg/day), niacin (281 ± 123 vs. 198 ± 80 mg/day), folate (70 ± 38 vs. 10 ± 22 mcg/day), and iron (101 ± 74 vs. 74 ± 30 mg/day). The findings of this study lay a fundamental premise for the development of community nutrition programs, nutrition education, and nutrition intervention, such as community specific prenatal supplementation. These will assist in ensuring adequate maternal nutrient intake and benefit families and communities in Northern Manitoba with and without alcohol insult.     

What Do People Know about Food,Nutrition and Health?—General Nutrition Knowledge in the Austrian Population

Background: Only limited information is available on the nutrition knowledge of the general Austrian population and how this relates to the nutrition knowledge of health professionals (medical doctors, pharmacists, nutritionist, dieticians) and school teachers. Methods: Adolescents and adults at the age of 14–75 years (n = 1000), medical doctors (n = 307), pharmacists (n = 295), nutritionists (n = 124), dieticians (n = 160) and school teachers (n = 873) completed an online survey using a German version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire-Revised (GNKQ-R) including self-reported data on sex, age, BMI, and health status. Adolescent and adult participants were recruited by a research agency to be representative for the Austrian population for age, sex, and education. A convenience sample was used for health professionals (medical doctors, pharmacists, nutritionist, dieticians) and school teachers. All participants completed a computer-assisted web-based interviewing (CAWI) survey. Results: Total scores for nutrition knowledge of the general population (61.4%) were significantly lower than scores from all other groups (medical doctors 81.3%, pharmacists 83.0%, dieticians 87.5%, nutritionists 85.6%, school teachers 74.5%). The main drivers for better nutritional knowledge were female sex, higher age, and higher level of education, while BMI classification and self-reported health status had no impact. In regard to single questions, the most striking result was the misclassification of sugar as the nutrient with the most calories by 41.4% of the general population while only 29.0% correctly identified fat to be the nutrient with the most calories. Conclusions: The nutritional knowledge of the general population should be significantly improved in order to lay a basis for better dietary behavior. In view of the relatively low scores of teachers, their nutrition education should be improved in order to enable transfer of sound education in schools.     

The Effects of Pre-Game Carbohydrate Intake on Running Performance and Substrate Utilisation during Simulated Gaelic Football Match Play

Background: Previous research has reported that elite Gaelic football players’ carbohydrate (CHO) intakes are sub-optimal, especially, in the lead up to competitive matches. Despite clear decrements in running performance across elite Gaelic football matches, there are no studies that have investigated nutrition interventions on match-related Gaelic football performance. The aim of this study was to determine whether a higher-CHO diet in line with sports nutrition guidelines can improve Gaelic football-related performance compared to lower CHO intakes previously observed in Gaelic footballers. Methods: Twelve Gaelic football players completed a Gaelic football simulation protocol (GFSP) on two occasions after consuming a high-CHO diet (7 g·kg⁻¹) (HCHO) or an energy-matched lower-CHO diet (3.5 g·kg⁻¹) (L-CHO) for 48 h. Movement demands and heart rate were measured using portable global positioning systems devices. Countermovement jump height (CMJ) and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) were measured throughout each trial. Expired respiratory gases were collected throughout the trial using a portable gas analyser. Blood samples were taken at rest, half-time, and post-simulation. Results: There was no significant difference in total distance (p = 0.811; η² = 0.005) or high-speed running distance (HSRD) covered between both trials. However, in the second half of the HCHO trial, HSRD was significantly greater compared to the second half of the LCHO trial (p = 0.015). Sprint distance covered during GFSP was significantly greater in HCHO (8.1 ± 3.5 m·min⁻¹) compared with LCHO (6.4 ± 3.2 m·min⁻¹) (p = 0.011; η² = 0.445). RSA performance (p < 0.0001; η² = 0.735) and lower body power (CMJ) (p < 0.0001; η² = 0.683) were significantly greater during the HCHO trial compared to LCHO. Overall CHO oxidation rates were significantly greater under HCHO conditions compared to LCHO (3.3 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 0.6 g·min⁻¹) (p < 0.001; η² = 0.798). Blood lactate concentrations were significantly higher during HCHO trial versus LCHO (p = 0.026; η² = 0.375). There were no significant differences in plasma glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and glycerol concentration between trials. In both trials, all blood metabolites were significantly elevated at half-time and post-trial compared to pre-trial. Conclusion: These findings indicate that a higher-CHO diet can reduce declines in physical performance during simulated Gaelic football match play.