Sports nutrition knowledge and dietary habits of Sri Lanka national-level basketball athletes

Abstract

Nutrition has a direct impact on the performance of national-level basketball players. This study aimed to examine the nutrition knowledge and dietary habits of national basketball male athletes. The sample included 30 subjects (age range: 20-25 years; mean BMI: 22.1 kgm-2) who represented Sri Lankan men’s national basketball team. The sports nutrition knowledge and dietary habits of participants were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Nutrition knowledge questions focused on energy and refuelling, hydration, supplements, and protein intake. The mean nutritional knowledge score of participants was 53%. Participants’ knowledge of supplements was inadequate (mean score for the section: 37%). Regarding dietary habits, 16 participants (53%) consumed high-carbohydrate foods after training/competitions while majority of athletes consumed high-protein foods before (n=20, 67%) and after (n=25, 83%) training/competition. Meal skipping was not common in all participants. The majority of participants (n=28, 93%) consumed fluids before, during and after exercise. Fourteen participants (47%) reported consuming alcohol. Dietary supplements use was reported in 43% of participants (n=13). It can be concluded that the participants of this study showed a moderate level of sports nutrition knowledge. Overall, the national male basketball players showed healthy dietary habits that help improve sports performance.