THE IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION IN SPORTS

Abstract

A number of new studies in this area are gradually refuting the previously generally applied recommendations on the correct composition of the diet. Drinking milk daily so that the body has enough calcium, excessive protein intake damages the kidneys, and consuming the last meal no later than five o'clock - various studies have refuted these and many other recommendations, but some experts still stand by them. Therefore, navigating these often-conflicting opinions is very difficult for the general population and athletes. We evaluated and compared the knowledge of fitness center visitors and top athletes about proper sports nutrition. Here, too, the evaluation of the individual questions of the questionnaire showed us that top athletes are much less knowledgeable about healthy nutrition than visitors to fitness centers. The final goal was to compare the opinion of both of these groups on how diet can affect sports performance and health. However, the hypothesis that elite athletes consider proper nutrition to be a more important factor in sports performance and health than visitors to fitness centers was disproved. In the end, we expected that the main motivation for proper nutrition would be an increase in sports performance and health among elite athletes, while an increase in muscle mass and a reduction in fat among fitness center visitors. In the case of top athletes, the assumption was confirmed, but the fitness center visitors mentioned improving their health in the first place, so the hypothesis was only partially confirmed. Thanks to research, we have confirmed the fact that recreational athletes, in our case visitors to fitness centers, often eat better and have more knowledge about healthy nutrition. The main problem is the fact that the trainers of top athletes are often poorly educated in the field of nutrition and thus do not provide their clients with any advice on proper sports nutrition or the use of supplements.