Date Available

7-22-2013

Year of Publication

2013

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Agriculture

Department/School/Program

Dietetics and Human Nutrition

First Advisor

Kelly Webber, PhD, MPH, RD, LD

Abstract

Athletes appear healthy according to weight for height and body fat standards. Though athletes appear to be healthy, little is known about their diets. Research states there is a connection between athletic performance and nutrition. The objective of this study was to determine the diet quality of 138 collegiate athletes. Data were collected in a laboratory. Demographics were collected via survey. Anthropometrics were assessed using a free standing stadiometer and the BodPod® for body fat assessment. Block 2005 Food Frequency Questionnaire© was used to assess diets. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2005 was used to calculate diet quality scores. The average BMI was 23.2 (2.3) kg/m2 and the average body fat was17.8 % (6.5). The average HEI score was 51.2 (8.8). Higher HEI scores were correlated with higher body fat percentage in this sample. Diets were adequate in: calcium, iron, and vitamin C. Diets were inadequate in: fiber, fruits and vegetables intakes. The athletes had excessive intakes of sodium and total percent fats. These findings demonstrate the need for nutrition education for collegiate athletes.

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