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Nutrition Knowledge of Dancers: A Scoping Review
Caitie J Minger1, Matthew B Cooke1, Regina Belski1
1Sport, Performance and Nutrition Research Group, Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia.
Nutrients
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Dancers possess low-to-moderate nutrition knowledge (NK), impacting their dietary habits. Targeted nutrition education can improve dancers' health and performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Nutritional Science
- Dance Science
Background:
- Dance is a physically demanding art form requiring optimal nutrition for performance and health.
- Nutrition knowledge (NK) influences dancers' dietary behaviors and attitudes.
- Limited research exists on dancers' NK, highlighting a knowledge gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review global literature on dancers' NK.
- To identify current NK levels, knowledge gaps, and associated dietary behaviors.
- To inform future research and resource development for dancers.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science) from 2000-2025.
- Included original, English-language, peer-reviewed studies assessing dancers' NK.
- Followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines for systematic reviews.
Main Results:
- Nine studies involving 942 participants from six countries were included.
- Dancers exhibited low-to-moderate NK, with knowledge gaps in macronutrient composition.
- Suboptimal dietary behaviors, body image concerns, and reliance on non-expert advice were prevalent.
Conclusions:
- Dancers' NK is insufficient, leading to suboptimal dietary behaviors influenced by aesthetic pressures.
- Interventions to improve NK and dietary behaviors showed positive outcomes.
- Future research should focus on targeted nutrition education to optimize dancers' health and performance.
