Sports Nutrition Knowledge Survey of High-School Health Class Students

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LEARNING OUTCOME:To state areas of sports nutrition knowledge lacking in a high school population. Dietitians are often asked to present sports nutrition programs to high school classes or athletic teams. There is little data that addresses sports nutrition knowledge of this age group. A survey of 59 high school students (68% sophomores, 25% juniors, and 7% seniors), evenly divided between male and female, in a required health class was undertaken to determine sports nutrition knowledge. The WAVE program (Ocean Spray) sports nutrition quiz was utilized. Questions on training diet components, hydration, vegetable intake, and nutrients for female athletes were included. 93% of participants agreed that carbohydrates (CHO) are the most important energy source for a training diet; 93% that liquids are important before, during, and after exercise; and 95% that nutritious foods are important every day. These nutrition messages have been assimilated into their core beliefs. Questions showing knowledge deficiencies of this group included use of fluids and CHO during and after exercise (only 47% responded correctly). 57% of males stated juices provide both CHO and fluid, compared to only 38% of females, suggesting that males have been exposed to more specific information on fuel needs during and after exercise. More males than females (13% vs. 3%) answered that large amounts of protein are necessary in a training diet, perhaps reflecting popular press articles and advertisements for protein supplements geared toward males. This survey identifies two key areas for dietitians to concentrate when presenting sports nutrition information to high school audiences: 1) role of protein and carbohydrate as energy sources, and 2) fluid and energy needs during and after exercise.