Effect of Nutrition Education on Energy Availability, Body Composition, Eating Attitude and Sports Nutrition Knowledge

Energy availability (EA) is described as the amount of energy left over and available for proper organism functions after the energy used for exercise is subtracted from the calories taken in the diet, by American College of Sports Medicine. It is shown that the young athletes often fail to follow the recommended dietary guidelines for their sport and activity level. Therefore that poses risk for low energy availability (LEA) EA below 30 kcal/kg FFM was considered to be low EA, EA between 30-45 kcal/kg was considered to be reduced and EA>45 kcal/kg was considered to be optimal.

The 25-item LEAF-Q was used to assess the risk of LEA. The LEAF-Q has been validated in female athletes aged 18-39 training ≥5 times/week, with findings producing an acceptable sensitivity (78%) and specificity (90%) to classify current energy availability[28]. Consistent with the original validation study players completed a paper version of the LEAF-Q to ensure validity and reliability were maintained. Scoring was based on the original validation study, with those who scored ≤7 being classified as 'not at risk' of LEA, and those who scored ≥8 being classified as 'at risk' of LEA[28].

Players completed the 88-item Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (SNKQ) at pre and post intervention.The SNKQ has been assessed for validity (content and construct) and reliability (test-retest), with findings indicating a high construct validity and good test-retest concordance and therefore suitability to be used to determine sports nutrition knowledge. The SNKQ consists of five sub-sections (general nutrition concepts, fluid, recovery, weight control and supplements). One point was awarded for each correct answer, and an 'unsure' or incorrect response received zero points. The scores for each subsection and total score were calculated based on the number of questions answered correctly with a maximum total score of 83.

EAT-26 has been used to assess eating disorder risks in many populations, including athletes. As recommended by the developers of the EAT-26 tool, scores of 20 or above on the EAT-26 assessment indicated eating disorder behaviors. Scores falling below 20 were assessed as low risk for eating disorder behaviors

The mean daily intake of energy, macronutrients and some of the micronutrients over the three days (two weekdays, one weekend) was calculated. Participants used household measures to estimate intake. Dietary intake data was entered into BEBIS 6.1 nutrition analysis program. (Beslenme Bilgi sistemi, Turkey) Daily energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat and fiber intake was compared with the values reported in the current nutrition guidelines.

Exercise energy expenditure (EEE) has been calculated according to the 3-day activity logs in the beginning of the season. Activity logs (including activity, exercise duration and rest periods) for resistance and any non-club based activities under 3 days were completed and assigned a Metabolic Equivalent (MET) value from the compendium of physical activities

at-free mass (FFM) is the primary determinant of TEE in all age groups.

Body mass index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.Low BMI was defined as BMI <18.5 kg/m2 as recommended when screening athletes for risk of LEA.

he amount of energy expended while at rest in a neutrally temperate environment, and in a post-absorptive state (meaning that the digestive system is inactive, which requires about 12 hours of fasting)

Body fat can be predictor for eating disorder risk status.