Research summary · Nutrition and energy
Nutrition education and athlete knowledge
This review examines changes in athletes' nutrition knowledge following educational interventions and explores differences between delivery approaches.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review and meta-analysis
- Journal
- International Journal of Exercise Science
- Population / context
- Multiple sports · Predominantly school-age athletes
What the publication reports
Fourteen studies included 755 athletes aged 10–32 years; 73% were high-school age or younger. The pooled knowledge effect was positive (Hedges' g 0.95; 95% CI 0.73–1.17), with differences associated with programme and assessment characteristics.
Limits and interpretation
Controlled and uncontrolled designs were combined, and possible publication bias limits confidence. Better test scores do not establish lasting dietary changes, improved health or better sporting performance.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Qualities of Effective Nutrition Education Interventions in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42516262DOI: 10.70252/IJES2026215Full text at the sourceReader discussion
Discuss the evidence.
Ask a question, share a source or discuss the methods. Respectful disagreement is welcome. Every comment and reply is reviewed before publication.
Loading comments…