The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the nutritional knowledge levels and nutritional status of the sports trainers and individuals doing nine-round fitness sports, and compare the relationship between two groups. One hundred individuals doing sports and 10 trainers were included in the study. A questionnaire about general demographic information, anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits and sporting status were applied to the participants. In addition, 1-day retrospective food consumption record was taken to evaluate the intake levels of macro and micronutrients, and The Basic Nutrition Knowledge Level for Adults (YETBID) Scale was applied to measure the nutritional knowledge of the participants. The mean energy (kcal), protein (g), fat (g) and carbohydrate (g) intakes were found to be 1930±832,6, 117,8±61,3, 88±34,5, 159±111,1 for trainers and 1465±533, 81,8±33,9, 66,6±26,4, 128±76,9 for individuals doing sports, respectively. A significant difference was found between two groups in terms of energy intakes (p=0,042) whereas, no significant difference was found between the levels of macro nutrient intakes between trainers and individuals doing sports (p>0.05). According to the YETBID scores, it was found that the total score of individuals doing sports was significantly higher than trainers’ (p=0.037). It was concluded that the level of nutritional knowledge of sports trainers and individuals doing sports did not affect the nutritional status. Furthermore, dietitians should be present at sport centers and nutrition trainings should be arranged in order to prevent improper nutrition practices.

Lifestyle modifications, including positive changes in nutritional behaviors can develop a helthier life by significantly reducing the possible chronic diseases in further life [1]. With the developing technology in our age, the media can reach the masses in a short time and affect the behaviors of individuals in many areas [2]. A variety of media have been used to deliver mass-reach health campaigns, like radio, television, advertising on billboards [3]. and recently, online social media networks [4]. In our country where the literacy rate is 93%, individuals access information about health, mostly use health programs, social media, newspapers, magazines, blogs, web pages and television [2]. Social media and modern technology have opened a new era in how health-related information is transmitted and sought by users [5]. The number of information shared in the media on issues such as nutrition, diet and healthy living is increasing day by day.