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Effectiveness of a Nutrition Education Programme on Nutritional Knowledge in Young Football Players: A Pilot Study
Filipa Vicente1, Leandro Anastácio2, Andreia Monteiro3
1Applied Nutrition Research Group (GENA), Nutrition Lab, CIIEM-Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Quinta da Granja-Campus Universitario, 2829-511 Caparica, Almada, Portugal.
Background:
Adequate nutrition is fundamental to the health and performance of young athletes. However, many fail to meet nutritional recommendations. Nutrition education programmes are promising, cost-effective strategies for improving dietary habits. However, research gaps persist, coupled with notable variability amongst the intervention programmes targeting youth athletes. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional knowledge of Portuguese youth athletes and to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition education programme in improving football players' understanding of a healthy diet.
Methods:
Participants were recruited from a local football club through public announcement. Male youth football players aged 13 to 18 years, training at least 3 times per week and competing regularly over the past six months, were eligible. The baseline assessment included anthropometric measurements, an assessment of the adherence to the Mediterranean diet using the KIDMED questionnaire, and an assessment of general and sports nutrition knowledge via a structured questionnaire. Following the intervention-comprising three face-to-face educational sessions and two digital infographics-the KIDMED and nutrition knowledge questionnaires were re-administered.
Results:
A sample of 38 male footballers were eligible for this study. Most participants exhibited a healthy body weight, with a corresponding adequate body composition. The mean KIDMED score indicated moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet with no statistically significant difference between the baseline and post-intervention (6.79 ± 1.52 versus 6.97 ± 2.01, p > 0.05). There was a significant enhancement in overall nutrition knowledge, accompanied by notable improvements in the comprehension of macro- and micronutrient sources and sports nutrition principles.
Conclusions:
This pilot programme proved effective in enhancing young football players' knowledge of nutrient sources and sports nutrition.
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