Research summary · Nutrition and energy
What athlete nutrition education studies actually measure
A systematic review maps the outcome measures and effectiveness claims used in nutrition-education interventions for athletes.
- Publication year
- 2026
- First published online
- Publication type
- Systematic review
- Journal
- BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Population / context
- Athletes aged 12 and older
What the publication reports
Twenty-four studies involved 845 athletes. All assessed anthropometry or body composition, while biochemical and subjective health outcomes were uncommon; knowledge and dietary behaviour improved more consistently than physiological or biochemical outcomes.
Limits and interpretation
Designs included randomised, non-randomised and pre-post studies, and intervention goals often did not align with measured outcomes. Physiological effectiveness remains inconclusive.
Read the source
Consult the original record for the full author list, methods, references, funding and competing-interest disclosures.
Outcome indicators and effectiveness of nutrition education for athletes: a systematic review
Original publication / indexed recordPMID: 42482108DOI: 10.1186/s13102-026-01900-9Reader discussion
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