Original scientific paper

DIFFERENCE IN NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE BETWEEN PROFESSIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ATHLETES

Anja Pozaić ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia *
Dominik Lončarić ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Rumora Samarin ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ines Panjkota Krbavčić ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Proper sports nutrition is necessary to maintain the optimal state of the athlete's body during training, competition and recovery, while meeting all energy and nutritional needs. Research has shown that one of the factors for the implementation of proper sports nutrition is the knowledge of athletes, which has directed the focus of scientific research on the assessment of knowledge in different populations of athletes. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge of professional and recreational athletes about proper sports nutrition. General knowledge about proper nutrition and knowledge about sports nutrition were assessed using the validated Abridged version of The Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (A-NSKQ) translated into Croatian for research purposes. The results of the research showed that the largest share of respondents (63.2%) had poor knowledge about proper nutrition, achieving an average score of 16.0 ± 5.0 points, and only 0.9% of respondents showed excellent knowledge. There is no significant difference in knowledge with regard to gender (p=0.729), age (p=0.731) and level of education of the respondents (p=0.900), but neither between professional and recreational athletes (p=0.643). In 54.3% of professional and 69.1% of recreational athletes, nutrition knowledge was assessed as poor. The obtained results indicate the need for education of recreational and professional athletes about proper sports nutrition, which is necessary to ensure optimal sports performance. A multidisciplinary approach is needed in achieving and maintaining the shape of athletes, also involving nutritionists in the education process to provide athletes with a professional approach and verified information about sports nutrition while raising awareness of the source of information they use in their daily education, including more frequent use of scientific and professional literature.

Keywords

A-NSKQ; knowledge; sports nutrition; professional athlete; recreational athlete

Hrčak ID:

314493

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/314493

Publication date:

21.2.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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