Availability of a sports dietitian may lead to improved performance and recovery of NCAA division I baseball athletes

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose was to survey dietary habits (DH) and nutrient timing (NT) practices of baseball student-athletes (mean ± SD; 20.7 ± 1.4 yr.) from three NCAA Division I institutions, and examine the effect of a sports dietitian (SD) in regard to nutrition practices.MethodsDescriptive statistics and Pearson X 2 analyses were run. Responses on 10 DH and 5 NT items differed (p ≤ 0.10) between athletes who sought dietary planning from a SD (n = 36) versus those who consulted a strength and conditioning coach (SCC, n = 42).ResultsIn regard to DH items, the SD group found it easier to eat before activity (92% vs. 71%, p = 0.03), did not consume fast food (31% vs. 14%, p = 0.02), caffeinated beverages (57% vs. 46%, p = 0.02), or soda (56% vs. 37%, p = 0.10), prepared their own meals more often (86% vs. 73%, p = 0.07), and took daily multi-vitamins (56% vs. 32%, p = 0.02). The SCC group ate more at burger locations (21% vs. 6%, p = 0.02). In regard to NT items, the SD group ate breakfast before training/lifting sessions (67% vs. 37%, p = 0.02), and had post-workout nutrition options provided (61% vs. 27%, p = 0.01). The SCC group reported pre-competition meals of fast food (58% vs. 45%, p = 0.01), and sport coaches who were less aware of healthy food options (39% vs. 65%, p = 0.05).ConclusionsThe SD is as a valuable asset to an intercollegiate athletics program. In the current study, athletes from the SD group consumed less high calorie/low nutrient dense items, ate before exercise, and consumed healthier options post-exercise. The presence of a SD was linked to provision of healthier food options during team trips. The evidence-based eating strategies and dietary plan provided by a SD may lead to improved performance and recovery.

Nutrient Status and perceptions of energy and macronutrient intake in a Group of Collegiate Female Lacrosse Athletes

“…It is tempting to simply recommend that all universities employ a full-time registered dietician or sports nutritionist, as access to these professionals can improve nutrition knowledge [29, 30]. For many athletic departments, however, these positions are not fiscally possible.…”

Prevalence of Low Energy Availability in Collegiate Women Soccer Athletes

“…The high degree of variability in the LEA values across different team sports may be partially attributed to the limited access to sports nutrition education and provisional food (fueling stations), resources that may be more common at more competitive collegiate and elite levels. In fact, previous research has indicated that sport nutrition education interventions and access to a sports dietitian improve eating behaviors and nutritional knowledge in collegiate athletes [ 4 , 34 , 35 ]. However, some studies have shown [ 15 , 36 ] that, while a nutritional education intervention led to a measurable increase in nutrition knowledge, the prevalence of LEA did not change.…”

Individualized Breakfast Programs or Glycogen Super-Compensation: Which Is the Better Performing Strategy? Insights from an Italian Soccer Referees Cohort

“…A high CHO intake seems does not seem to be completely effective for improving soccer referees' performance. Moreover, it is pivotal to encourage soccer referees to pay attention to their dietary choices by starting with dietician counselling and individualized breakfast programs, as already demonstrated in other athlete categories [51]. Obviously, our sample did not have a high amplitude and further studies are necessary in order to clarify the diet strategy able to improve soccer referees' performance indirectly measured by means of a typical YYiR1 fitness test.…”