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Nutrition Knowledge and Low Energy Availability Risk in Ladies Gaelic Football Players
Jennifer M Connolly1,2, Andrea M McNeilly1
1Sports and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK.
Nutrients
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Female athletes have poor sport nutrition knowledge and a high risk of low energy availability (LEA). Nutrition knowledge alone may not prevent LEA, highlighting the need for athlete support.
Area of Science:
- Sports Nutrition
- Female Athlete Health
- Dietary Behavior Analysis
Background:
- Nutrition knowledge (NK) is crucial for athlete health and dietary habits.
- Limited research exists on NK's impact on low energy availability (LEA) risk in female team sports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess NK and LEA risk in female Ladies Gaelic Football (LGF) players.
- To investigate the relationship between NK and LEA risk in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- 58 female LGF players (aged 18-35) completed online questionnaires.
- The study utilized the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (ANSKQ) and LEAF-Q.
- Data analysis examined knowledge scores and LEA risk factors.
Main Results:
- Average overall NK score was "average" (53.1%), but sport nutrition knowledge (SNK) was "poor" (48.2%).
- 56.9% of players were identified at risk of LEA.
- LEA risk was associated with playing level and prior nutrition education; however, no overall NK-LEA link was found.
Conclusions:
- Female LGF players exhibit high LEA risk and inadequate sport NK.
- NK alone appears insufficient to mitigate LEA risk in female team sport athletes.
- Comprehensive screening, nutrition education, and athlete support are essential.
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