Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Adequate macronutrient intake of carbohydrates, fats, and protein is essential for sustaining energy, enhancing muscle recovery, and preventing injuries in athletes. Many student-athletes do not have access to a registered dietitian, which often leads them to rely on unverified nutrition sources that recommend habits non-conducive to optimal performance and recovery. Research shows that student-athletes who have access to a dietitian are more likely to meet the pre-workout macronutrient needs recommended by the Sports Nutrition Care Manual (SNCM). This pilot study analyzed the difference between student-athletes’ pre-workout macronutrient consumption and the pre-workout macronutrient intakes recommended by the SNCM before their first workout of the day. Fifty student-athletes recorded their pre-workout fuel for their first workout of the day for up to 7 days. The results of this study suggested that student-athletes did not meet the recommendations for carbohydrates, protein, or fat, with intakes exceeding or falling short of recommendations in up to 84% of entries. The study’s findings also indicated that the amount of protein consumed was either inadequate or excessive. Significant results revealed that women’s cross country athletes were more likely to meet their macronutrient needs before their first workout than women’s soccer athletes (p < .05). Overall, the study found that student-athletes’ macronutrient intake does not meet SNCM recommendations and, therefore, is not meeting their needs for proper pre-workout fueling for their first workout of the day.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Ann Toy
Recommended Citation
Valdez, Amelia; Holloway, Macy; and Settle, Hannah, "Comparing Student-Athletes’ Macronutrient Intake to Recommendations for Pre-Workout Fuel" (2025). Student Scholar Symposium. 18.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/student_scholars_symposium/2025/Full_schedule/18
Comparing Student-Athletes’ Macronutrient Intake to Recommendations for Pre-Workout Fuel
Adequate macronutrient intake of carbohydrates, fats, and protein is essential for sustaining energy, enhancing muscle recovery, and preventing injuries in athletes. Many student-athletes do not have access to a registered dietitian, which often leads them to rely on unverified nutrition sources that recommend habits non-conducive to optimal performance and recovery. Research shows that student-athletes who have access to a dietitian are more likely to meet the pre-workout macronutrient needs recommended by the Sports Nutrition Care Manual (SNCM). This pilot study analyzed the difference between student-athletes’ pre-workout macronutrient consumption and the pre-workout macronutrient intakes recommended by the SNCM before their first workout of the day. Fifty student-athletes recorded their pre-workout fuel for their first workout of the day for up to 7 days. The results of this study suggested that student-athletes did not meet the recommendations for carbohydrates, protein, or fat, with intakes exceeding or falling short of recommendations in up to 84% of entries. The study’s findings also indicated that the amount of protein consumed was either inadequate or excessive. Significant results revealed that women’s cross country athletes were more likely to meet their macronutrient needs before their first workout than women’s soccer athletes (p < .05). Overall, the study found that student-athletes’ macronutrient intake does not meet SNCM recommendations and, therefore, is not meeting their needs for proper pre-workout fueling for their first workout of the day.