ABSTRACT
Background: Athletes often face unique nutritional demands due to their high levels of physical activity. Nutrition education programs are designed to enhance athletes’ understanding of their dietary needs, potentially improving their nutritional status and performance.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of nutrition education programs on the nutritional status and performance of athletes.
Method: A total of 120 athletes participated in this study, which was conducted from February 2023 to February 2024. Participants underwent a comprehensive nutrition education program that included workshops, individual counseling, and educational materials. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to measure changes in nutritional knowledge, dietary intake, body composition, and athletic performance.
Results: The nutrition education program led to significant improvements in athletes’ nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviors. There was a notable increase in the consumption of balanced meals and essential nutrients. Body composition analysis revealed a reduction in body fat percentage and an increase in lean muscle mass. Performance metrics, including endurance, strength, and recovery times, showed marked enhancements following the intervention.
Conclusion: The nutrition education programs were effective in improving both the nutritional status and performance of athletes. These findings underscore the importance of targeted nutritional education in optimizing athletes’ health and athletic outcomes.
Keywords: Nutrition education, athletes, nutritional status, athletic performance, dietary intake, body composition, sports nutrition.