Nutrition Education by a Registered Dietitian Improves Dietary Intake and Nutrition Knowledge of a NCAA Female Volleyball Team

• Main Authors: Bethany Hilson Garner, Heather Pittman Emplaincourt, Melinda W. Valliant, Rachel Kieckhaefer Wenzel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2012-06-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: female; athletes; energy; carbohydrate; nutrition; knowledge
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/4/6/506
• ISSN: 2072-6643

Eleven female participants from a NCAA Division I volleyball team were evaluated for adequate energy and macronutrient intake during two off-seasons. Total energy and macronutrient intake were assessed by food records and results were compared against estimated needs using the Nelson equation. Dietary intervention was employed regarding the individual dietary needs of each athlete as well as a pre- and post-sports nutrition knowledge survey. Post dietary intervention, total energy, and macronutrient intake improved, as well as a significant improvement in sports nutrition knowledge (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Nutrition education is useful in improving dietary intake and nutrition knowledge of female athletes.