Influence of Sports Dietitian on the Dietary Intake and Hydration Habits of Collegiate Athletes

Abstract

Aim: The present study was conducted to study the difference between the dietary intake and hydration habits of collegiate athletes with or without sports dietician. Methods: A total of 120 athletes participating in 5 sports viz. hockey, basketball, handball, football and volleyball from two Universities were selected. Sixty athletes (30 males and 30 females) from Punjab Agricultural University without provision of sports dietician were treated as control group and sixty athletes (30 males and 30 females) from Punjabi University following sports dietician were treated as experimental group. Results: The findings suggested that the athletes of experimental group had a normal Body Mass Index (BMI). The overall nutrient intake findings revealed that the macronutrient as well as micronutrient intake of experimental group athletes was significantly (p≤0.01) higher than the athletes of control group. Experimental group athletes followed better nutritional habits during team trips, before and after exercise, during in-season and off-season of their workout and followed proper hydration guidelines. Conclusion: The athletes following sports dietician have better nutritional status and hydration habits.