Survey Summary
Summary
Nutrition is an important aspect for ideal performance during athletic events. The
information collected from the nutrition knowledge surveys reflect a wide range of athletes at
various levels and in different age groups. The athletes have many commonalities, such as
practice schedules and sources for nutrition knowledge.
Several interviewees have specific diet routines prior to an event. A large number of
athletes also reported changing their diet since beginning the sport. The diet changes were most
prominent amongst the collegiate level athletes. Aside from protein bars, protein shakes, and
vitamins; the athletes did not report a high use of other supplements. Champion writes, “a
clinical inpatient dietician at Ronald Regan UCLA Medical Center and adjunct professor in the
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health believes most athletes do not need supplements of any
kind and are best off to get their calories , healthy proteins, and other vitamins and minerals from
real foods.”1
The primary sources of nutrition knowledge listed throughout the surveys are coaches,
online research, and social media. A few also stated medical professionals and nutritionists as a
source for nutrition knowledge. A review conducted by Boidin et al states, “nutrition education
programmes for athletes aim to enhance nutrition knowledge and more importantly support
positive dietary change to enhance performance, health and well-being.”2 Also, the majority of
interviewees believe the diet changes positively altered their performance.
Interpretation
From the information gathered, sports nutrition is not generalized. Therefore, athletes
should follow individualized diets to get their specific energy requirements. For example, some
2
Survey Summary
people believe supplements are beneficial in some circumstances. As opposed to the previously
stated view of supplements, Caporuscio says “athletes push their bodies to peak performance, so
these individuals may need an energy boost.”3 She further writes, “athletes following vegetarian
and vegan diets may need to take particular care to ensure that they are obtaining enough
nutrients through their diet.”3
I think it might be useful for more of these athletes to consult with licensed nutrition
professionals. Doing so ensures they consume enough macronutrients and micronutrients as well
as reducing the chance of excessive consumption. For instance, over consumption of vitamins
could lead to hypervitaminosis, possibly causing health complications. “Vitamin D toxicity
creates a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and
vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination.”4 Additionally, “vitamin D toxicity might progress
to bone and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.”4 Whether professional or
amateur, athletes at all levels require proper nutrition.
3
1.Champion C. Do fitness enthusiasts really need supplements? September 21, 2021. Accessed
September 3, 2023. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/do-fitness-enthusiasts-really-need-
supplements.
2.Boidin A, Tam R, Mitchell L, et al. The effectiveness of nutrition education programmes on
improving dietary intake in athletes: a systematic review. Br J Nutr. 2021; 125(12):1359-1373. doi:
10.1017/S0007114520003694. Accessed September 3, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.
32959736/.
3.Caporuscio J. Vitamins and supplements for athletes. November 29, 2019. Accessed September 3,
2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327166.
4.Zeratsky K. What is vitamin D toxicity? should I be worried about taking supplements? March 22,
2022. Accessed September 3, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-
healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108.
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