Availability of a sports dietitian may lead to improved performance and recovery of NCAA division I baseball athletes.

BACKGROUND

The purpose was to survey dietary habits (DH) and nutrient timing (NT) practices of baseball student-athletes (mean ±  20.7 ± 1.4 yr.) from three NCAA Division I institutions, and examine the effect of a sports dietitian (SD) in regard to nutrition practices.

METHODS

Descriptive statistics and Pearson analyses were run. Responses on 10 DH and 5 NT items differed ( ≤ 0.10) between athletes who sought dietary planning from a SD ( = 36) versus those who consulted a strength and conditioning coach (SCC,  = 42).

RESULTS

In regard to DH items, the SD group found it easier to eat before activity (92% vs. 71%,  = 0.03), did not consume fast food (31% vs. 14%,  = 0.02), caffeinated beverages (57% vs. 46%,  = 0.02), or soda (56% vs. 37%,  = 0.10), prepared their own meals more often (86% vs. 73%,  = 0.07), and took daily multi-vitamins (56% vs. 32%,  = 0.02). The SCC group ate more at burger locations (21% vs. 6%,  = 0.02). In regard to NT items, the SD group ate breakfast before training/lifting sessions (67% vs. 37%,  = 0.02), and had post-workout nutrition options provided (61% vs. 27%,  = 0.01). The SCC group reported pre-competition meals of fast food (58% vs. 45%,  = 0.01), and sport coaches who were less aware of healthy food options (39% vs. 65%,  = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The SD is as a valuable asset to an intercollegiate athletics program. In the current study, athletes from the SD group consumed less high calorie/low nutrient dense items, ate before exercise, and consumed healthier options post-exercise. The presence of a SD was linked to provision of healthier food options during team trips. The evidence-based eating strategies and dietary plan provided by a SD may lead to improved performance and recovery.