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Sports Dissertation Research Topics – Titles With Research Aim

Published by Grace Graffin at January 6th, 2023 , Revised On April 16, 2024

Introduction

The significance of a dissertation topic cannot be overlooked in the academic world. If your dissertation topic is unique, meaningful and intriguing, it is very likely that you will impress your readers and the supervisor. Your dissertation topic should be specific and focused so you address a real problem and contribute to the literature. Finding sports dissertation topics can be a little challenging because sports, unlike other academic subjects, is mostly based on physical activities even though it does involve sports sciences courses.

In this blog post, we have provided several sports dissertation topics to help you get started with your sports dissertation. These topics look at the significance and relevance of sports from different perspectives including nutrition, psychology, mental health, physiology and biomechanics. Without further ado, here are the best sports dissertation topics for you to consider for your research.

Here is our selection of sports dissertation topics that you shouldn’t ignore.

Topic 1: The Role of Sports Education in Obesity Prevention- A Case of Sports Education at Young Age in British Schools

Topic 2: sports and economy- the role of sports in economic growth and human development- a case of cricket in india, topic 3: impact of sports psychology and coaching on the personality development of the athlete- an exploratory study finding the advantages and disadvantages of sports psychology, topic 4: the role of sports diplomacy in foreign policymaking- a case of sports relationship between north and south korea, topic 5: are sports necessary or business making ways the role of sports medicine in enhancing sports performance- assessing the advantages and disadvantages of sports medicine.

Also Read – Mental health dissertation topics , psychology dissertation ideas, physiotherapy dissertation topics , and healthcare dissertation topics .

2024 Sports Dissertation Research Topics

Research Aim: This research aims to find the role of sports education in obesity prevention. It will analyse the strategies and methods used by schools and other educational institutions to provide sports awareness to students from age to prevent them from obesity. It will find how much awareness level is necessary for young students to participate in sports activities. Lastly, it will recommend ways schools and other educational institutes can create an encouraging sports environment to make children more active from a young age.

Research Aim: This study intends to analyse the role of sports in economic growth and human development. It will assess the role played by sports in a country’s gross domestic product (GDP), employment creation, investments, and human development index (HDI). It will use cricket in India as a case study. It will show how many households are associated with cricket? How much do they make and consume? What is the overall physical and online viewership of cricket? How does the cricket economy work in India?

Research Aim: This research finds the impact of sports psychology and coaching on the personality development of the athlete. It will find psychological factors which affect the athlete’s personality and performance. Moreover, it will show how sports psychology and coaching can improve these factors to improve athletes’ traits such as motivation level, confidence, performance, etc. Lastly, it will recommend enhancing athletes’ personalities through sports psychology and coaching in multiple ways.

Research Aim: This study sheds light on the role of sports diplomacy in foreign policymaking. It will show the importance of sports, global political economy, and international relations (IR) by analyzing various IR and international sports theories. It will assess the role of sports in the diplomatic relationship between south and north Koreas. It will show whether they incorporate sports diplomacy in their foreign policy to improve diplomatic ties with each other. Lastly, it will recommend lessons other countries learned from their relationship.

Research Aim: This research assesses the role of sports medicine in enhancing sports performance. It will analyse the effects of these medicines on the health of athletes. Moreover, it will find the other advantages and disadvantages of these medicines. It will also show whether athletes need it or are just promoted by the businesses to increase their profits? Lastly, a clinical lens will recommend the correct use of these medicines.

Sports Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: physical exercise: a tool to develop the physical health of children.

Research Aim: This dissertation aims to analyse the benefits of regular physical exercise for children. It also focuses on how their physical health is developed through various exercises.

Topic 2: The Impact of Video Games upon Outdoor Games

Research Aim: This research paper will compare the technology-oriented virtual games and the traditional sports that are needed to play by engaging oneself physically. The negative impact of digital games on outdoor games is enormous as it ceases children’s physical development.

Topic 3: Chess: A Game to Enhance Intelligence Level

Research Aim: This topic aims to analyse the benefit of playing an indoor game like Chess, which develops a player’s intelligence level. Playing Chess needs high attention, which increases the genius level.

Topic 4: Yoga and Meditation: The new Dimensions in Sports

Research Aim: This dissertation intends to evaluate the importance of yoga and meditation as a physical and mental health coach. Generally, sports develop physical health and set the state of mind by increasing the attention level of the mind. Yoga and meditation are the parts of sports that make it possible.

Topic 5: The Relevance of Sports and Exercise with Biomedical Study

Research Aim: This research aims to determine the relevance of sports and exercise in a biomedical study. Sports act as a cure for human health. Biomedical research evaluates the importance of sports as medicine to human health.

Topic 6: Indoor Game vs Outdoor Game: A Comparative Study of Sports

Research Aim: The focus of this dissertation is to show a comparative study of indoor and outdoor games. Indoor games develop mental health and increase intelligence levels, whereas outdoor games are necessary for physical health.

Topic 7: Sports: As a Medium of Career Development

Research Aim: This research focuses on the importance of sports as a career developer. As many players are acquiring recognition at the national and international levels. It helps to drive their passion for their profession and also promotes sports worldwide.

Topic 8: Cricket: A Sport Establishes a Strong Bond Between Nations

Research Aim: This research paper aims to analyse the significance of cricket as a sport that creates a bond of mutual trust and friendship among different nations. It also shows the craze for sports within the public of a nation.

Topic 9: Sports: The Confidence Developer of Mind

Research Aim: This research paper focuses on the importance of sports as a confidence developer. Sports give mental pleasure and develop a kind of enthusiasm and confidence within the player’s mind. This rejuvenates a mind with the spirit of fighting and living life to its best.

Topic 10: Extracurricular Activities in School: The Relevance of Sports with Study

Research Aim: This research paper focuses on the importance of extracurricular activities and sports in education. In education, institutes, extracurricular activities, and sports are simultaneously needed with a good education. This helps in the all-around development of a student.

Topic 11: The Negative Impact of Social Media on Sports

Research Aim: This dissertation focuses on the negative impact of social media on sports. In this modern age, teenagers indulge in social media from a very young age, which diverts their minds from extracurricular activities, sports, and outdoor games. This creates an adverse impact as the necessary mental, and physical growth is disrupted.

Topic 12: Organizing the Annual Sports Program in Schools: The Culture and its Benefit

Research Aim: This research paper aims to evaluate the importance of organizing an annual sports program in schools. The culture of organizing annual sports in schools makes the students understand the importance of sports and their benefits.

Topic 13: The Complementary Pairs: Sports and Nutrition

Research Aim: This research paper focuses on the relationship between sports and nutrition. Sports and nutrition are complementary parts as they help develop a healthy mind and body. Sports develop the human body, and nutrition gives the elements to the body for development.

Topic 14: Sports for Children with Disabilities

Research Aim: The dissertation focuses on the importance of sports in the lives of children with disabilities. The children who cannot use their body parts and minds appropriately are encouraged with various kinds of sports to not feel unequal and separated from the others. Sports give them mental strength and happiness.

Topic 15: Exercises for a Modern Techno-Oriented Generation: As a Reliever of Stress and Developer of Health

Research Aim: This research paper aims to analyse the benefits of exercise in this digital world for the modern generation. This modern generation passes its time mainly on technology, which gives much stress and hampers health. Exercises help to relieve stress and acts as a health developer.

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How to find sports dissertation topics.

To find sports dissertation topics:

  • Explore niche areas in sports.
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  • Consider ethical or social aspects.
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dissertation ideas for sports nutrition

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20 great research ideas for your dissertation on sports, sponsored post.

  • February 28, 2020

A degree in Sports Science will place students in careers such as sports therapy, coaching, personal training, sports nutrition, and sports management, among others. You can also become an event organizer, a sports psychologist, or a sports researcher. As such, students looking for sport science dissertation ideas should pick only those ideas that can help progress their careers in the future. Below are simple sport dissertation ideas you might consider:

dissertation ideas for sports nutrition

Dissertation Questions and Topics on Exercise and Muscle Strength

1. How does exercise enhance performance in football? You can study muscle strength as the main factor in enhancing the success of elite footballer in the UK

2. Exercise, muscle strength, and swimming: A case study of the effects of exercises on human physiology and skeletal muscle functions in swimming

3. Physical and psychological effects of long term bodybuilding: How does long term bodybuilding affect the mind and the body, and what is the role of nutrition in all these?

4. Effects of prolonged exercise and sports on aging: A study on muscle degeneration among women athletes before and in menopause and beyond

5. Nutrition in sports during the active years and beyond: A case study of active and retired athletes and how nutrition affects their health.

6. Muscle strength and gender: Comparing how muscle transformations in male and female athletes and the role of nutrition 

Sport Dissertation Examples in Nutrition  

7. Pre-game diet and performance: A comparative study on hoe different diet taken before a game affect performance in males and females

8. Protein requirements in sports: A study on protein supplementation for optimal performance in sports, strength training, and bone development

9. Vitamins and athlete performance: Does vitamin supplementation enhance performance in the field?

10.  Supplements and performance in the field: Does the use of supplements such as citrate, bicarbonate, glutamine, and others help in sports performance?

There are so many more dissertation topics in sports nutrition. You can search for these online, and you can come up with more, especially on challenges that athletes in your locality face. Either you do your research from scratch or ask for help with a dissertation from a writer with PhD on Writix , choosing the right topic is crucial. Dissertation order platforms can provide you with some ideas on topics as well. 

Interesting EPQ Topics in Sports Pharmacology  

11.  The effects of prescribed supplements in athletics: Does the use of supplements and other drugs affect performance for athletes with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases?

12.  Hypertension and sports: What the International Sports Association stands for in the management of hypertension for active patients.

13.  The use of Diuretics in sports: A case study on the effects of the use of diuretics on physical activities among elite athletes

14.  Asthmatic tri-athletes: How do strenuous training and medication affect asthmatic athletes?

15.  Adrenaline rush and race: A case study of adrenaline production during sports in black and white males and females in the UK

Sport Science Dissertation Ideas in Health and Well-Being  

16.  Optimal performance and metabolic training: Examining all case studies on the metabolism of nutrients during metabolic training among elite athletes

17.  Subject health and well-being among college footballers: A case study of the health and psychological well-being of college footballers in Wales. This can be one of these interesting EPQ topics.

18.  Athletes’ psychological stability and performance: How does mental well-being influence performance among elite athletes?

19.  Swimming and satisfaction in life: A study on life satisfaction and happiness among active swimming professionals

20.  Cultural and racial well-being in football: A case study of white and black footballers and their self-esteem, and how that affects performance in football clubs in England.

Sport Dissertation Ideas on Other Topics  

The list of dissertation questions and topics is almost endless. Other sport dissertation examples you can pursue include the hardships coaches face on behavioral intervention, effects of parenthood on exercise and performance, homosexuality and its effects on coaching, how gender affects coaching sports achievements, the use of integrated model of sport injury for psychological improvements, and fatness among high school gymnasts and how it affects their esteem.

Interesting EPQ topics on clinical exercise psychology include the effect of music on exercise intensity , effects of smoking on athletes, effects of PDE5 inhibitors on blood pressure, resistance training and cardiac patients, among others. 

Conclusion  

You can ask for help coming up with sport dissertation ideas from an online service and then carry out the research yourself. With thousands of sport dissertation examples, the most appropriate idea for your research should be one that matches your career aspirations. You can also research an issue that affects most athletes internationally or locally. In such a case, you do not need an idea from an online source as you can create sports science dissertation ideas on your own. When doing so, consider dissertation questions in medicine, supplementation, nutrition, psychology, family, and management, the industry as a whole, coaching, and much more. 

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Sports Dissertation Topics

Sport and Exercise offers a variety of areas to explore due to the variety of research topics and disciplines that can be investigated. This can include using your dissertation to research areas such as nutrition, performance enhancement, psychology, biomechanical adaptions of performance and physiology. If you’re composing a dissertation in Sport & Exercise Science, whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate, but are unsure of the route you wish to explore, some of the examples below can give you some ideas of what areas are trending in the literature and original areas for you to explore to help with an original piece of work or to extend recent research in new directions.

Sports Nutrition

Sport psychology, biomechanics.

Understanding how to enhance athletic performance has long been a topic of interest in the literature due to its ability to enhance – or in some case decrease – sporting performance. Many nutrition dissertations tend to focus on various diets, supplements or the impact of nutrition and training and the outcome this has for an athlete. Studies can take the form of primary or secondary – also known as experimental or review studies – which can provide lots of great investigations. It’s important to be specific in the type of athlete or population you want to investigate – such as a powerlifter, football player or gymnast – so you can collect relevant evidence for your athlete and utilise guidelines for their nutritional needs. Here are some example titles if you’re interested in investigating Sports Nutrition for your dissertation topic:

  • Is caffeine beneficial for use as a pre-workout agent in weight and powerlifters?
  • Investigating the impact of protein supplementation intake on muscle growth and repair in trained athletes.
  • What is the impact of CLA supplementation on reducing body fat in trained male participants?
  • How does caffeine intake impact aerobic performance?
  • Are fat burners effective in supporting trained athletes in reducing body fat percentage?
  • Is eating a balanced diet enough to improve performance in team sport athletes?

Sport psychology opens a wealth of different avenues for exploration; whether it’s relating to imagery, choking or mental health in athletes. We are currently living in a world that has a large focus on encouraging positive mental health and ways to improve performance by improving ‘mental toughness’ in athletes. As such, here are some ideas of the different areas that you can investigate:

  • Investigating the association between long-term sports injury and depression in semi-professional team sport athletes.
  • What influence does racism in professional sport have on professional BAME athletes?
  • ‘The Pressure Shot’: Examining pressure and choking in trained golf athletes in a tournament setting.
  • Performance-enhancing drugs and Olympic-level athletes: Is the use of PEDs worth a shot at the grand stage?
  • Homosexuality in professional sport: Understanding the experiences and thoughts of homosexuality in male and female athletes.
  • What is the impact of repeated sports injury on mental wellbeing in professional athletes?
  • Living sporting dreams through children: how parents utilise their children to relive their sporting dreams.
  • Drug and alcohol abuse in semi-professional sport.
  • ‘Strong is the new Sexy’: Understanding the shifting focus from diet to strong in female active participants.
  • How does mental wellbeing influence performance amongst elite athletes?
  • Understanding the association between culture and racial perceptions in football fans in England.
  • Differences in quality of life amongst semi-professional team sport athletes.

Physiology dissertations can provide opportunities to understand how the body reacts to exercise as well as a way of understanding short- and long-term effects. However, physiology can allow a range of topics to be used in collaboration with other subjects such as psychology and nutrition. Below are some examples of some physiology specific and physiology combined topics that you could investigate as a dissertation topic:

  • Exercise, muscle strength and triathlon: Investigating the effects of ultra-marathon exercise on professional triathlon athletes.
  • Investigating the impact of ageing on muscular degeneration.
  • Does biological age impact the likelihood of becoming a professional athlete?
  • Muscular strength and gender: How does muscle transformation different in male and female athletes.
  • Understanding the impact of asthma on trained endurance athletes.
  • Achieving optimal performance through metabolic training.
  • The impact of high-altitude training on aerobic capacity.
  • How does music tempo impact physiological responses to exercise?
  • What is the impact of smoking and vaping on recreational athlete performance?

Biomechanics can open up many avenues for investigation whether it’s relating to optimal movement in 100m sprint performance, or the use of prosthetic limbs to support Olympic level improve performance. It’s important to make sure you have an interest in biomechanics and are aware of some of the key data that can help you shape your topic. However, some of the most interesting parts of biomechanics topics are due to the potential repercussions that your research can have. Here are some potential topics that you might be interested in:

  • Investigating the different types of prosthetics on sprint performance in Paralympians.
  • Investigating differences in gait movement between barefoot and different forms of footwear.
  • How can biomechanics facilitate improvements in Paralympic Sport?
  • Understanding the role between sports biomechanics and sports injury prevention.
  • Examining ACL injury differences between male and female professional football players.
  • The role of artificial intelligence in sports biomechanics.
  • How does VAR impact movement patterns in professional soccer players?
  • Biomechanics of fencing: an investigatory review of techniques and injury preventative strategies.

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Various Dissertation Topics

Physiology and exercise.

  • The role of a physiological basis in tennis. Detailed research on the muscle tissue as an essential prerequisite for achieving success in the area.
  • Powerful muscles strong swimmers. Establishing the connection between the muscle tone and great results in swimming.
  • Gymnastics exercises and neural processes. Discovering the issues arising on the gymnasts way to a good performance.
  • Being a body builder: psychological and physiological qualities. Studying the interaction between the performance, physical exercises and nutrition among well-known body builders.
  • Special physical exercises for strengthening skeletal muscles. Muscle strength as a decisive factor in athletic activity.
  • Aging as a damaging effect on muscles. Examining muscle functions and metamorphosis among the women athletes during and after the period of menopause.
  • Physical training: morphological and neurological peculiarities of bones and muscles.
  • Nutrition as a source of strength. Exploring the up-to-date and old-fashioned ways of training. Investigating the methods of building up strength in retired basketball players.
  • Dependence of the muscle strength upon gender. Studying physiological peculiarities of women and men athletes.
  • Physical exercises suitable for elderly sportsmen. Examining the diseases the elderly gymnasts suffer from.

Nutrition and Sport

  • Direct connection between sport and nutrition. Conducting thorough research on the balanced diet for sportsmen. Investigating the influence of food on the activity of football players.
  • Athletic activity and nutrition. Analyzing different nutrition schemes for vegetarian sportsmen. Studying the effect of such schemes on athletes health.
  • Strength sport: meeting protein specifications. Identifying the role of protein in bone development and muscle stretching. Connection between protein diet and effective training.
  • Essential functions of vitamins. Examining vitamin supplements and their relation to impressive results in sport.
  • Athletes suffering from a lack of vitamins. In-depth research on the effect of carbohydrate and protein supplements on the recovery of muscle glycogen after training.
  • The amount of iron required for a good performance of athletes. Highlighting the difference between men and women.
  • Supplements and sportsmens excellence. Exploring the use of bicarbonate, glutamine, and citrate supplements and their influence on athletes achievements.
  • Caffeine and athletes accomplishments. Examining the intake of caffeine and its impact on athletes results in sport competitions.
  • Valuable properties of vitamin D. What role does it play in athletes performance? Studying the effect of vitamin D on athletes health.
  • Using the supplements prescribed by the doctor. Analyzing the position of international sports association on the use of supplements.

Physical Exercises and Sport Pharmacology

  • Drug use and spectacular results in sport. Exploring the use of drug supplements by famous athletes. Examining the performance of the athletes using supplements and those who do not use any additives.
  • Using the prescribed supplements and drugs in sport. Studying the most frequently used additives and drugs for respiratory cardiovascular diseases of athletes.
  • Exercises suitable for sportsmen with hypertension. The opinion of the international sports association on the hypertension treatment given to athletes and physically active people.
  • Pharmacology and ergogenic help in sport. Examining the diuretics use in sport. Exploring the impact of physical exercises on drug treatment for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases among popular sportsmen.
  • Sport-related measures for treating bronchial complications. Analyzing the cases when athletes have been treated for inhalation of beta2-agonist during the 2012 Olympics.
  • Tri-athletes having asthma. Exploring the effect of medication, training and exercises on the health of asthmatic sportsmen.
  • Legal use of additives and drugs in sport. Analyzing international laws on supplement and drug use in football.
  • The effect of adrenaline rush. Examining the case of women over the age of 45 in the USA and UK.
  • Chronic diseases and nutrition specifications. Studying the nutrition demands for athletes having chronic diseases.
  • Sportsmen with cardiovascular medication. Investigating the cases of cardiovascular medication use by athletes during the 2012 Olympics. Difficulties of using the heart rate as a means of measuring the intensity of exercises.

Satellite Cells

  • Therapy for stem cells. Exploring the peculiarities of stem cell therapy and measures for treating athletes for osteoarthritis and cartilage deficiencies.
  • The cycle of satellite cells. The role of satellite stem cells in regulation, growth, and muscle regeneration during physical exercises.
  • Controlling diseases. Toning muscles during exercises. Investigation of the effect of myonuclear domain on proliferation and differentiation of diseases, stem cell cycle and adaptation of a human organism.
  • The condition of satellite cells in elderly athletes. Examining the change of satellite stem cells of old and young sportsmen. Assessing the significance of satellite cells for the process of the muscle mass regulation
  • Satellite cells and testosterone. Analyzing the cellular and molecular mechanisms. Determining the connection between the peculiarities of testosterone and impressive achievements in sport.
  • Sport training and satellite stem cells. Exploring the influence of hard training on the satellite stem cells contained in the skeletal muscles of sportsmen.
  • Satellite cells, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy. Inspecting the heterogeneity of swimmers satellite cell muscles and cell division orientation.
  • Satellite stem cells development. Exploring the characteristic features of the satellite stem cells, i.e. functions, proliferation, and origin.
  • Adaptation of the satellite stem cells. Investigating the peculiarities of trapezius muscles during training or aerobics.
  • Satellite cells and components relating to age. Examining the functions and heterogeneity of the satellite stem cells of an adult athlete.

Physical Conditions and Mitochondria

  • Exploring the connection between the development, fitness and strength of mitochondria of athletes with insulin sensitivity.
  • Cell metabolism and the functions of mitochondria. Examining the role of mitochondrial overload and partial fatty acid oxidation. Analyzing their effect on the skeletal muscles increment in tough training.
  • The effect of aging on metabolism. Studying the use of anti-aging drugs with the aim of avoiding syndromes relating to metabolism among elder sportsmen.
  • Metabolic disorders. Controlling obesity and the level of insulin with the help of drugs and special exercises for skeletal muscles of sportsmen.
  • Can the level of insulin caused by fat food be decreased by the growth of muscle mitochondrion mass? Examining the role of fat food and insulin resistance during the period of strength training.
  • Is it possible to compromise both glucose tolerance and metabolic flexibility by deleting particular muscles of carnitine acetyltransferase after physical exercises? Studying muscle exercises and metabolic fitness in terms of power lifting trainings.
  • Obesity and metabolic fitness. Analyzing cellular energy transductions and their impact on obesity of athletes.
  • Deficiency of carnitine. Investigating the influence of aging and excessive nutrition on mitochondrial functions and metabolic control when doing physical exercises.
  • Type 2 diabetes and metabolic fitness. Discovering the connection between the functions of mitochondrial oxidation and type 2 diabetes during physical exercises.
  • Diseases and metabolic health. Research on the functions of lipid oxidation and mitochondrial uncoupling during mental conditioning and aerobic exercises.

Biomechanics in Sport

  • Strength training and intrinsic biomechanics. Applying pectoral bench recruitment techniques to bench pressing during weight lifting exercises.
  • Extrinsic and intrinsic biomechanics. Exploring the newbie gain and the period of its duration. Analyzing the registration of gain levels among sportsmen and sportswomen.
  • Weight exercises: nutrient supplementation and biomechanics. Studying various gain levels of people using additives and those who do not deal with any supplements when being on a diet for four months.
  • Strength training. Using the bands when undergoing strength training with the aim of growing muscle gains and maximizing positive effect.
  • Male and female athletes. Exploring the biomechanics and functions of coaching among top women athletes during intelligence exercises.
  • Temperature and biomechanics. Analyzing the functioning of athletes muscles during isometric exercises according to the temperature change. Exploring the cases of European and African athletes.
  • Puberty exercises and athletic kinds of sport. Examining the condition of women athletes before and after the puberty age and probable metabolic outcomes.
  • Biomechanics processes. The significance of being aware of biomechanics basics before doing German volume exercises.
  • Human movements and biomechanics. Making a detailed analysis of the peculiarities of cell biology biomechanics in terms of nutrition during the circuit exercises.
  • Human physiology and biological measurement. Examining the basic aspects of human physiology, physiological parameters and homeostasis processes during body building exercises.

Wellbeing and Health in Terms of Sport

  • Evaluating the functions and physical condition of people in football and aerobic training. Defining the role of structural and physical exercises in the physiological and psychological wellbeing and development of football players.
  • The importance of nutrition and physical exercises for athletes. Discovering the correlation between the physical activity and healthy food consumption of top-rated athletes.
  • Metabolic-related training and exercise development. Studying the concepts and theories relating to metabolism of nutrients in metabolic training.
  • Wellbeing from the point of view of college football players. Exploring the cases of college footballers of England.
  • Athletes welfare and achievements. The impact of mental welfare on physical activity among high-class athletes.
  • Opinion on the notion of wellbeing among swimmers. Examining the way happiness and enjoyment is connected with the accomplishments of experienced swimmers.
  • Cultural welfare in the football area. Analyzing the cases of European footballers from the point of view of their self-respect and satisfaction rate.
  • Work and wellbeing from the athletes point of view. Analyzing personal qualities of professional athletes and their input.
  • Welfare and marital status in football. Exploring the cases of single and married football players of England.
  • The role of gender, age, and subjective welfare in football training. Analyzing the alterations in physical exercises in terms of age and cross-sectional gender during strengthening football exercises.

Analyzing Psychological Issues

  • Examining the difficulties the coaches encounter when dealing with performance and behavioral intervention issues. Scrutinizing the case of the coaching fraternity in the National team of England.
  • Parenthood and training. The problems working parents having little children face and possible impact on their achievements.
  • Coaching and homosexuality. Examining the cases of gay trainers in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
  • Cultural analysis and gender in training. Exploring cultural and gender inconsistencies in sport. Investigating the cases of Spanish football players.
  • The role of gender in coaching. Analyzing the attitude of coaches to female and male athletes.
  • Injuries in sport. Is it effective to use an implemented model of injuries to sustain psychological growth of hurt high school athletes?
  • Is being fat embarrassed? Examining the nervous tension women gymnasts suffer from because of the created body image.
  • Sport leaders. Examining the attitude of athletes to team coaches.
  • Changing ones sport career. Analyzing the psychological impact of a career change due to injuries in the football clubs of the United Kingdom.
  • Body image and food consumption. Examining the effect of food consumption by women athletes in England.

Clinical Exercise Psychology

  • Making an analysis of the positive effect of music on the intensity of physical exercises among athletes. Examining the performance of online and TV gymnasts.
  • Exploring the negative influence of smoking on childrens organism. Do pulmonary abnormalities can be caused by children athletes addiction to smoking?
  • Can the blood pressure be affected by PDE5 inhibitors? Examining the influence of applying PDE5 inhibitors by male football players.
  • The use of different training techniques. Exploring the implementation of non-uniform training and its impact on athletes achievements in the competitions.
  • The fundamental peculiarities of the training process among patients with heart diseases. Doing research on the discrepancies in rehabilitation rates among the athletes with heart diseases.
  • Physical exercises and age. Identifying the gap in the knowledge of athletes of different age range.
  • The non-impact exercises and the physiological and psychological influence they make on athletes. Examining female athletes who are over 45 years old.
  • Training in the areas with high and low altitude. Which area helps athletes achieve better results? Analyzing the accomplishments and conditions of European athletes training in the high and low altitude areas.
  • Metabolic disorders and physical exercises suitable for athletes with pulmonary and cardiac issues. Detailed examination of prescriptions, methods, training and special programs for athletes with chest and heart problems.
  • Motivational aspects of physical training. Physiological and psychological peculiarities of youth athletes. Exploring their attitude to exercises.

Sport Exercises and Science

  • Illustrating the importance of doing physical exercises and examining the influence of oral contraceptives. Examining college female athletes in the UK within the period of 6 months.
  • Athletes achievements and family ties. Doing detailed research on athletes family background and establishing a direct connection between the family and athletes success.
  • Studying the aims pursued by prospective and professional athletes. Defining similar and distinctive features.
  • Sport and autism. Carrying out an objective analysis of the achievements of children with spectrum autism and those without it in the middle school.
  • Volatile kinds of sport and androgenic anabolic steroids. Examining the cases of the mentioned steroid use in boxing.
  • The role of muscle strength in different kinds of sports and its functioning when being injured. Exploring the physical condition of male and female rugby players.
  • Women in sport. The influence of sports on the position of women in the society and their body.
  • The effect of school programs on students achievements in sport. Determining the educational establishments in England with the highest rate of success in sport.
  • Sport and leisure activities. Analyzing the lifestyle of famous English football players and its impact on sport accomplishments.
  • The attitude of hospital staff to sport as a way of spending their free time. Investigating the case of a particular hospital.
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248 Popular Nutrition Research Topics That You Can Write About

nutrition research topics

A balanced diet can make you more productive in your tasks each day. However, how sure are you that the diet that you take is what is required? If you are doing a course in Nutrition and Dietetics, you need to do thorough research. There are certain steps you need to take before diving into the research work.

Characteristics Of A Good Nutritional Research Paper Topic

To prosper in your research, you need to find an ideal topic that won’t be too stressful for you.

Clarity of the topic: If you want to write a great nutritional research paper. The topic needs to be clear. This will make it easy to do the research and also others to understand what you are doing. It should be something common that people will be interested in, even taking part in the research or reading it. Well-defined research paper: The research paper topic needs to be well-phrased for successful research. The topic needs to be direct. So that even when someone tries to read it, they can conclude what the research should bring out. Simple language: If you want to prosper in your nutritional research. Just ensure that you use simple language that most people can understand. You are writing research so that people can benefit from it. There is no need to use too much complex language that won’t help anyone. Simple title: The title should follow the right procedure. It should be written perfectly. Also, ensure that your research aligns with your nutritional research topic. In the case that you want to research various used chemicals, try and stick to the topic as it is. The work: Ensure your research paperwork has an introduction, body, and conclusion. This is critical for any essay, research paper, or assignment

Nutrition Research Topics

Different farming practices lead to low or high production. The amount of food that you are consuming can have an impact on your overall weight. Here are some of the best nutrition research topics that you can start with.

  • Evaluate some of the most common abdominal fat and health risks.
  • The major causes of adolescent and childhood obesity or weight gain.
  • The high risks of obesity in children. Which ingredients should be avoided?
  • Evaluate the most common allergies and food sensitivities.
  • The importance of maintaining child nutrition and health.
  • Evaluate the digestive diseases and associated disorders
  • Evaluate the disordered eating habits in different age groups.
  • The best way to promote healthy eating and physical activity.
  • The best intervention that can be put in place is to reduce obesity.
  • Evaluate the best way to increase fruit and vegetable intake in different households.
  • How can diabetes be reduced in different age groups?
  • The best intervention ways to increase fruit and vegetable intake in the elderly.
  • The best way to provide good nutrition is in rural public schools.
  • Does coffee consumption help in stress reduction?

Informative Nutrition Topics to Write About

You need to provide high-quality work when submitting the research work to your professor. Here are some of the best informative nutrition topics to write about. You can even get some details in other scholarly articles.

  • The impact of cooperative extension in diabetes education and how to carry out self-care.
  • The common perceptions of students who eat organic food to health.
  • The relation between BMI and waist circumference in health indications.
  • The link between environment and dietary intake among rural teens.
  • The relationship between emotional brain formation and weight variation.
  • Factors that need to be considered when mothers are breastfeeding.
  • The common reasons for low fidelity to education programs in patients with gestational diabetes.
  • The best approaches to take when maintaining weight loss.
  • The eating habits disorders among athletes.
  • Evaluate the diet quality of university students.
  • Evaluate celiac disease in individuals.
  • The various perceptions about school feeding programs.
  • The impact of obesity on the health of individuals.
  • How can the media be used in providing nutrition education for individuals?

In-Depth Nutrition Research Paper Topics

If you want to write an amazing research paper, make use of the various resources. You can even get relevant information from documentaries, scholarly articles, books, pdf, and much more.

  • The relation between cigarette consumption and weight loss.
  • The perceptions of nutritional screening tools for the elderly.
  • The effectiveness of school welfare policies.
  • The parental perception of the nutritional status of children that have autism.
  • The major causes of stress eating among the youth.
  • The relation between healthy food and mental health issues.
  • The relation between sleep and nutrition.
  • How healthy eating impacts athletes’ performance.
  • The impact of breakfast on someone’s productivity during the day.
  • How social media impacts students’ dietary choices.
  • The benefits of superfoods to our bodies.
  • The rising popularity of the paleo diet.
  • The major causes of various food addictions
  • The relation between diet and someone’s moods.

Comprehensive Nutrition Research Questions

Are you looking for the best comprehensive nutrition research questions? You can start with these. They are also not that hard to understand.

  • Which are the genetics that causes obesity?
  • How do children’s eating disorders impact children’s dietary choices?
  • The best way to prevent chronic diseases is through better food culture choices?
  • Do you think overhydration is worse than dehydration? Give reasons
  • Which are the major impacts of social media on women’s body image?
  • Which is the relationship between hormones and nutrition?
  • What are the risk considerations of the keto diet?
  • Which are the best methods for improving physical fitness?
  • Are the dietary fats good or bad?
  • Which are the major roles of proteins in weight loss?
  • How do diet trends affect human health?
  • Do you think fasting can help in weight loss?
  • Which are the bad eating habits that cause disorders?
  • How to ensure proper nutrient intake in our day-to-day lives?

Interesting Nutrition Topics

Would you want some of the most interesting nutritional topics? Start with these! They are all based on common things that happen that you can easily relate to.

  • The role of creatine in improving athlete’s performance.
  • How a mother’s diet impacts the breast milk quality.
  • The major symptoms of malnutrition among kids.
  • The components that make GMO food.
  • The major effects of thermal processing on nutrients.
  • The factors that contribute to obesity among students.
  • The various dietary differences between different income level households.
  • The major foods that boost serotonin levels.
  • The connection between the immune system and diet.
  • The development of ketosis.
  • The component found incomplete proteins.
  • The different functions of minerals and vitamins.
  • The negative effects of too many vitamins.
  • The transformation of carbohydrates to energy.

Engaging Nutrition Topics For Presentation

Is your assignment meant to be made as a presentation? These are some of the best topics that you can use. They are all diverse and you will get all the required answers on books, pdfs, or any other credible source.

  • How does nutrition impact one’s connective tissue strength?
  • The major advantages and disadvantages of fats in our bodies.
  • How do lipids make a meal feel satisfying?
  • The difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.
  • The interrelations between vitamins and other food components.
  • The influence of nutrition on hormones.
  • The consequences of zinc deficiency on our bodies.
  • The nutrients that help to improve your skin and hair.
  • The function of amino acids on our bodies.
  • Do you think you could survive on dietary supplements only?
  • Compare the effectiveness of gummy vitamins and pills.
  • The various ways that the body produces vitamin D from sunlight.
  • The reasons behind more women suffering from anemia than men.
  • What influences the presence of minerals in food?

Engaging Nutrition Essay Topics

Taking a balanced diet can help prevent you from getting these common nutritional diseases. Would you want to know more? Try any of these nutrition essay topics.

  • Is there a difference between the health benefits of white and brown bread?
  • The major benefits of cereals in our meals.
  • The best substitutes for white sugar.
  • The nutrients found in fresh and dried fruit.
  • The versatile uses of coconuts and benefits to our bodies.
  • Comparison between white and red meat.
  • What components are in sugar that make it a good preservative?
  • How does milk help in strong bone development in children?
  • The pasteurization process of milk.
  • Meat is a staple food in most cultures.
  • The chemical compounds found in margarine and butter.
  • The healthier alternatives to coffee.
  • Does taking a glass of wine daily have health benefits at all?
  • The major causes of hangovers in individuals.

Nutrition-Related Topics

What is the kind of food that you take? Are they beneficial to your body? These are some of the best nutrition-related topics that you can ever come across.

  • The impact of food safety in different institutions
  • Evaluation of nutrition in preschools for children.
  • The positive and negative effects of training and nutrition on football players.
  • The nursing habits of college-age students.
  • The major effects of caffeine in tea and coffee that you take.
  • The importance of eating a variety of foods.
  • The most energizing foods for a healthy body.
  • The major characteristics of multiple grain types.
  • The factors that impact mineral absorption.
  • The myth and facts behind the food pyramid.
  • The major foods that belong to the legumes food groups.
  • The advantages of taking various milk types.
  • The importance of glucose on our bodies. How often should we take glucose?
  • The major effects of selenium on health.

Nutrition Topics for Research

Research should be done systematically. First, you need to plan out how you are going to carry out the research. After you are done, be sure to start your research using different resources.

  • The health benefits of non-digestible compounds.
  • The major causes of lactose intolerance.
  • Why is there an increase in eating disorders among female athletes?
  • Which is the amount of protein that you need for muscle development?
  • Do you think the time you eat is equally as important as what you eat?
  • What is the importance of knowing your BMI?
  • Evaluate whether the best way to overcome unhealthy emotional relationships is with food.
  • How sleep regulates leptin levels in the body.
  • The major causes of the prevalence of diabetes among college students.
  • What are the major benefits of gummy vitamins?
  • The various beliefs are accustomed to whole grains.
  • The trends of breast cancer among women.
  • Evaluate the various environmental contaminants globally.
  • Why do you think people opt to be vegetarians?

Nutrition Presentation Topics

These are some of the best nutrition presentation topics that you can start with. They are simple, engaging, and straightforward. They will help you to make the best presentation you have ever made.

  • How can you consider a certain food as being energizing? What criteria are used?
  • The major characteristics of grains.
  • The origins of potatoes in the ecosystem.
  • The health benefits of avocados on our bodies.
  • How do some foods work as home remedies?
  • Which are the best ways to prepare scrambled eggs to ensure they provide full nutritional benefits.
  • The impact of globalization on our diet.
  • The different diet adaptations in different seasons.
  • The positive impact of breast milk on infants.
  • The dietary requirements for someone with HIV/AIDS.
  • The best food to take when you want to lose weight.
  • The major consequences of malnutrition.
  • The major causes of celiac diseases.
  • The advantages of organic food consumption.
  • Can alcohol be considered to be part of a healthy diet?

Nutrition Topics For College Students

Are you in college and wondering where you will get the best nutritional topics for your course using? All these topics are ideal for that.

  • The process of energy production from food nutrients in our bodies.
  • Make a comparison of the heterotrophs and autotrophs feeding behavior.
  • How is food converted to simpler substances in the body?
  • The duration in which animals can convert complex food substances into simpler ones.
  • How are proteins broken down in the body to be beneficial?
  • How blood carries nutrients in the body.
  • How high cholesterol levels can lead to body issues
  • The importance of diet supplements to busy people.
  • How does the body use electrolytes in the body?
  • How certain diets expose people to cancer.
  • Which is the best way to modify a diet to combat a certain disease?
  • The role of nutritional knowledge in making informed decisions.
  • The major causes of chronic diseases in human beings.
  • The negative effects of depression on nutrition.

Engaging Topics In Nutrition

Nutrition is quite advanced. Both harmful and beneficial foods should be taken in moderation. These are some of the best engaging topics in nutrition.

  • Which foods lubricate body joints?
  • The importance of fats in hormone production in the body.
  • Why do different fats have varying impacts on people’s bodies?
  • The major roles of unsaturated fats in the body.
  • The role of fats in preserving the health and brain development in humans
  • The negative effects of being a vegetarian for too long.
  • How does taking too much sugar cause diabetes?
  • The major causes of allergies on people with health conditions?
  • The importance of eating fiber-rich foods.
  • What amount of water do adults have in their bodies
  • The relation between eating and sleeping habits.
  • How taking sugary foods leads to loss of memory and inactivity?
  • How taking too many snacks is not healthy for the body?

Food and Nutrition Essay Topics

Are you planning to do an essay? These are some of the best food and nutrition essay topics that you will ever stumble upon. Always strive to eat a healthy diet at all times.

  • The long and short-term effects of food on our health.
  • How does water absorption occur in the body?
  • Does weather impact the amount of water we can take in a day?
  • The influence of weather on digestion.
  • The negative influence of fast food selling hotels on some lifestyle diseases.
  • The major determinants on whether an animal feeds on simple or complex inorganic compounds.
  • How are nutrients converted into minerals?
  • When should someone use a nutrient supplement?
  • The impact of alcohol intake by pregnant women.
  • Why do pregnant women crave different food?
  • The necessary nutrients after doing a hard workout.
  • The role of carbohydrates in an athlete’s body.
  • The importance of energy management on brain development
  • The importance of calcium to sportsmen and women.
  • How good nutrition maintains a great athletics record.

Research Topics in Nutrition and Dietetics

When doing your thesis, you need to do thorough research to ensure that your professor will give you top grades. If you are doing a dietetics course, these topics will serve the purpose.

  • How athletes can easily manage hunger cues.
  • The role of Vitamins to people that engage in sports.
  • The effect of chili on our bodies.
  • Which are the best ways to deal with obesity?
  • The disadvantages of obesity on children below 18 years.
  • The social and economic effects of poor nutrition.
  • How is healthy aging important for active aging?
  • How nutrition determines the body’s immunity.
  • The best way to make nutrition reforms & policies for the benefit of residents in different regions.
  • The role of proteins in sustainability and health.
  • The negative and positive impact of moods on eating well.
  • The role of nutrition in determining a body’s immunity.
  • Does ingredient dosage matter in food and nutrition?
  • The role of misinformation on unhealthy eating habits.
  • The myths related to plant-based proteins.

Popular Nutrition Topics

Are you supposed to choose the best nutrition topic for your assignment? Try any of these topics and see how knowledgeable you will become.

  • The impact of food wastage in most developing nations.
  • The impact of fasting on one’s health standards.
  • How to maintain a healthy diet for the whole family at home.
  • The role of nutrients on the central nervous system.
  • How does caffeine affect athletes?
  • How food contributes to an increase in BMI?
  • The best foods to boost sports performance.
  • How muscles help individuals in sports.
  • The major roles of enhancing appetite.
  • Why athletes should not drink a lot of water during exercise?
  • How food choice can prevent some dietary diseases.
  • Does babies’ nutrition impact their growth?
  • The relation between genetics and nutrition.
  • The major challenges faced in maintaining healthy eating habits.

Ideal Nutrition Thesis Topics

When given a writing task, it can be hard to know where to start. However, teachers don’t quite require a lot from students. Just try to do what you can and give it your best shot.

  • The best eating habits that you can embrace.
  • The difference between red and white meat.
  • Evaluate the milk pasteurization process.
  • The advantages of milk consumption every morning.
  • The various beneficial components found in milk.
  • What are the best foods that the elderly should take?
  • How eating patterns affect the sleeping pattern.
  • The major causes of different eating patterns.
  • The effects of homemade food and intuitive eating habits.
  • The nutritional problems for pregnant women.
  • The relation between income and nutrition.
  • The major evidence-based nutrition.
  • Evaluate nutrition and blood pressure.
  • The advantages of organic food consumption

Health and Nutrition Topics

Our health plays a huge role in how effective we can be on different tasks. If you are fatigued or hungry, it can have adverse effects on your body.

  • How is nutritional profiling used?
  • The point of counting calories found in the body.
  • The major health benefits of vitamin water.
  • Why does the younger and older generation require different nutrition?
  • The major methods of projects that promote proper nutrition.
  • The relation between diet and one’s moods.
  • The major causes of teenagers developing an unhealthy attitude towards food.
  • The role of hunger and control in anorexia.
  • How malnutrition can cause an issue with an unborn child.
  • How poor eating habits lead to physical conditions.
  • The best way to maintain an active lifestyle for proper health.
  • The biological factors surrounding eating disorders.

Sports Nutrition Topics for Research

These are some best sports nutrition topics for research that you can start with. You can use them for your homework, assignment, thesis, or dissertation.

  • How different food varieties help athletes.
  • The role of carbohydrates in the mental development of athletes.
  • Explain the water cycle in an athlete’s diet.
  • Why do athletes need calcium?
  • How does trans-fat affect an athlete’s performance?
  • The importance of supplements in the diet.
  • How supplements and diets help in weight management.
  • What capacity of food should athletes eat before and after training?
  • The amount of water athletes should take before and after running.

Requiring Help With Your Nutrition Dissertation?

Are you looking for the most ideal writing service assistance? We provide nothing but the best. We have expert writers that will ensure you get custom work at an affordable price. All the planning is done online to ensure your work is delivered on time. Whether you are in university or college, these topics will help you.

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Home > Communities > College of Health Sciences > Exercise and Sport Science > ESS_ETD

Exercise and Sport Science Theses and Dissertations

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Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Athletic Identity, Need Satisfaction, and Burnout in Collegiate Athletes , Rachel Brooke Daniels

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Effects Of Alpha-GPC and Huperzine-A On Short Term Memory, Anaerobic Power Output, Post Exhaustion Compared To Caffeine And Placebo In Healthy College Age Students , John P. Isaacs

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The Acute Effects Of Alpha-Gpc On Hand Grip Strength, Jump Height, Power Output, Mood, And Reaction-Time In Recreationally Trained, College-Aged Individuals , Josey Lucas Cruse

Use Of Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Measurements To Evaluate Total Body Volume When Compared To Air Displacement Plethysmography For Evaluating Body Composition In A Four Compartment Model , Lee Doernte

The Link between Overweight, Obesity, and Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers among College Students , Alexandra Szarabajko

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

The Effects Of Depth Jump Implementation Of Sprint Performance In Collegiate And Club Sport Athletes , Ryan Bean

The Effects Of Caffeine Supplementation When Manipulating The Time Of Ingestion Prior To Simulated Rugby Union Activity , Zachary William Bell

Locomotor Skill Development in Response to an Electronic Visual Exercise System in Children with Sensory Impairments , Sara Johnson

The Effect Of Practical Blood Flow Restriction Training On Body Composition And Muscular Strength In College-Aged Individuals , Zachary R. Salyers

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The Relationship Between Personality Type And Exercise Motivation , Kayla Michelle Bowman

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The Effects on Acute Power Production Enhancement and Maintenance due to Pre-workout Supplementation in Recreationally trained College Aged Males. , Mark Travis Byrd

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Sedentary Behaviors and Physical Activity in Relation to Class Standing in University Students , Codie Monhollen

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The Effects of Active Recovery during High Intensity Resistance Training on Lactate Clearance in Collegiate Athletes , Christopher Alexander Perry

Physical, Emotional, and Competitive Aggression Tendencies in Contact and Non-Contact Collegiate Athletes , Samyra Rose Safraoui

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Relationship Between Personality And Exercise Motivation In Weight Loss , Leanna Beth Bowles

The Effects of Fatigue on a Dual-Task Postural Control Measure , Allisha R. Guzdial

Relationship Between a Proxy of Prenatal Testosterone (2D:4D) and Determinants of Endurance Running Performance , Simon D. Holzapfel

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  • Research article
  • Open access
  • Published: 05 February 2021

Structure and trends of international sport nutrition research between 2000 and 2018: bibliometric mapping of sport nutrition science

  • Anna Kiss   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4927-9228 1 , 2 ,
  • Ágoston Temesi 3 ,
  • Orsolya Tompa 3 ,
  • Zoltán Lakner 3 &
  • Sándor Soós 1 , 2  

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition volume  18 , Article number:  12 ( 2021 ) Cite this article

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The tool kits of bibliometrics and science mapping provide a standard methodology to map the knowledge base of specific fields of science. The aim of the present research is the analysis of the recent international trends of sport nutrition science, as well as the primary identification of the research topics and results of sport nutrition science via enhanced bibliometric methods for the 2000–2018 time period.

Altogether, 3889 publications were included in this study. We identified the most relevant sport nutrition topics by running a community detection algorithm on the proximity network constructed via network text analysis. The key issues and key concepts of sport nutrition topics as well as their relations were evaluated via network analysis. Besides, we carried a chronological analysis of topics out and a scientometric evaluative analysis was also created.

We identified the four main basic groups from which the 18 most characteristics topics were analyzed. The 18 topics are the following: ‘soccer and physiology’, ‘carbohydrate metabolism’, ‘muscle physiology: alkalosis and acidosis’, ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’, ‘fluid balance and hydration’, ‘dietary intake and nutrition knowledge’, ‘determination of energy need of athletes’, ‘bone health and female athlete triad’, ‘hydration strategy’, ‘body weight management’, ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’, ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’, ‘oxidative stress and dietary supplement use’, ‘dietary supplement use and doping’, ‘oxidative stress and inflammation and dietary antioxidants’, ‘exercise adaptation and nutritional strategies’, ‘gut microbiota’, ‘celiac disease’. Regarding the size of the topic, researches on sport nutrition science have put the focus on the following three groups: ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’, ‘carbohydrate metabolism’, ‘oxidative stress and dietary supplement use’. The greatest scientific impact can be ascribed to the following topics: ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’, ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’, ‘body weight management’, and ‘gut microbiota’.

Conclusions

Scientific output on sport nutrition has continuously been rising between 2000 and 2018. The ratio of topics related to sport nutrition but predominantly connected to basic research has decreased significantly within all publications. The results of this study confirm the role of science mapping in the identification of specific research topics and primary research directions in the field of sport nutrition science.

Sport nutrition science lies at the intersection of numerous vast fields of life sciences, such as nutrition, clinical, medical, health, biomedical, sport, and food sciences. Sport nutrition science involves the transfer of knowledge related to physical activity and health, metabolism, body composition, diseases, training, injuries, rehabilitation and performance. Sport nutrition as a research topic has attracted great attention in the scientific literature in the field of sport and exercise science. Various systematic reviews or meta-analyses have been conducted on numerous aspects of sport nutrition because of its complex nature that gains interest worldwide [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Apart from the classical and systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses of the field, there is no large-scale, bibliometric analysis of sport nutrition science. For the experts and sport nutrition practitioners working with athletes, the application of scientific knowledge is essential because of the vast range, dynamism, and multidisciplinary nature of this knowledge output. It is inconceivable to process and apply all of this knowledge without the help of modern information science methods built on international literature databases. These serve as indispensable complementary tools to the standard, literature-synthesizing methods, such as the systematic review and meta-analysis. In the hierarchy of the reliability/quality of scientific results (along with the so-called ‘evidence pyramid’) in sport medicine and nutrition science, systematic reviews and meta-analyses with the processing method of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) – lies at the top of the pyramid [ 7 ]. Science mapping can play an outstanding role alongside meta-analysis to map the knowledge base of the field of sport nutrition science. Science mapping is a type of analysis that usually investigates the structure of literature databases with several thousand-, ten-, or hundred thousand of items covering a long period of time [ 8 ]. Applying the statistical-network theoretical modeling of the referencing, text-similarity, and authorial relations of the literature, science mapping methods facilitate the exploration of the conceptual- thematical structure, trends and dynamism of the field of science. Thus, the results of science mapping contribute to strengthening the reliability of scientific results [ 9 , 10 ].

In sport science, bibliometric analysis has been conducted for the assessment of research trends and for the identification of publications with high impact on the fields of sport psychology [ 11 , 12 ], sport management [ 13 , 14 ], sport economy [ 15 ], and aging and physical activity [ 16 ], however, the analysis of the trends in sport nutrition science has not been performed to date.

Methodology

Research aims.

This present research on the field of sport nutrition science includes (1) the identification of relevant and state-of-the-art literature, (2) the analysis of trends, key topics and key issues in sport nutrition science, and (3) the identification of the recent trends of the key topics in the time period of 2000–2018. Our research is the first to present the key topics of the publications in sport nutrition science of the past 18 years and their scientometric characteristics identified with the help of bibliometric tools (through the analysis of reference networks and text mining).

Data collection

The core sample (basic documents of the data collection) were obtained from the PubMed medical database with a search from MeSH using the key concepts in “sport nutrition and sport physiology” for the 2000–2018 time period (no results could be retrieved preceding the year 2000 based on this search and via related MeSH major topics). Data was retrieved during February 2019. The search resulted in a core sample of 372 publications. To extend the information content and the time window of the core sample, we used the Web of Science (WoS) database. As a first step, we identified the articles citing the core sample based on WoS records, then we incorporated them into the database ( n  = 1909). Alongside those citing the core, we also identified the publications cited by the core sample ( n  = 1992). Publications were included in the corpus if they received a minimum of two references from the core sample, thus ensuring the inclusion of relevant topics only. After eliminating duplications, the full corpus included 3889 publications, ranging between 1976 and 2018 (Fig.  1 ).

figure 1

Flowchart of database construction

After identifying the publications in the full corpus (data collection) we continued with their scientometric evaluation based on citation impact and journal rank. To analyze the citation impact, we obtained the impact indicators belonging to the publications of the full corpus from the InCites database, then we expanded the database with the normalized citation impact and the percentile measures. The rank indicators of the journals that include the publications in the full corpus were obtained from the InCites and Journal Citation Report (JCR) databases, after which we expanded the database with the citation quartile based on impact factor.

Mathematical-statistical analysis

The resulting literature corpus was explored through a multi-step methodology combining text mining and bibliometric processes (Fig.  2 ), which aimed at mapping the structure, trends, key issues and trends of sport nutrition science.

figure 2

Schematic representation of the analytical framework

The applied methodology comprised of three parts:

Identification of topics

The thematic similarity of publications was explored through the text-similarity of title words and abstracts. With the Natural Language Processing (NLP) method, the compounded text of the titles and abstracts was reduced to key terms that are characteristic for the articles and was represented as the sequence or vector of the frequency of these terms in the articles [ 17 ]. Then, a similarity matrix of articles (vectors) was obtained. To demarcate the topic clusters based on article similarity, we derived a graph from the similarity matrix, which we thus considered as a weighed network describing the similarity relations of the publications based on Cosine similarity:

That is the similarity between article x and y, where x i (y i ) is the weight of term i for article x.

The actual clustering was achieved by running a community detection algorithm on this proximity network constructed via network text analysis in order to delineate coherent groups of papers. The algorithm used was the “Louvain method”, implemented in the igraph R package [ 18 ].

The exploration of the key issues, key concepts, and relations of topics

The inner structure of theme clusters and their thematic relations were explored via network analysis. When modeling the relations of key concepts, we defined the network of the joint occurrence of the so-called author keywords assigned to the articles in the cluster, where the strength of the relation between concepts is characterized by the relative frequency of their co-occurrence (among the keywords of the same article). In this case, it is represented by the Cosine similarity as the measure of proximity (this time between concepts, not between articles). This semantic network obtained for the cluster was then subjected to the community detection procedure referred to in the previous section, i.e. the Louvain method [ 19 ]. As a result, the network of key concepts was partitioned into cohesive subtopics defined by strongly and densely related concepts.

To gain a more clear representation of conceptual relations, we analyzed the semantic network along different lines as well. We subjected the proximity network (as a proximity matrix) to a hierarchical cluster analysis method (after converting similarities into distances for that end and using the “average” method). The main aim of this additional exercise was to obtain an overview of the domain, where the interrelations of the most relevant concepts are analytically (not only visually) demonstrated by the concept tree resulted from the hierarchical clustering. We call this the “tree view” of the cluster.

In order to capture the conceptual pool most indicative of topics, the procedure described above was run over a selected subset of keywords pertaining of a cluster. The selection of this subset comprised of two steps: (A) the concepts accounting for the cohesiveness of the cluster was identified, using a measure of network role and position, namely, betweenness centrality (BC). BC has been fairly well-validated as measuring the extent to which a particular node (keyword) connects relatively distinct groups (of keywords, i.e. subdiscourses). Applying this measure, keywords with a BC value above a distinctive cutpoint were selected for inclusion in characterizing the cluster (these are the very terms displayed on the dendrograms). (B) For the assignment of key themes and the purposes of labelling, the most frequent words were selected from this pool. This procedure resulted in using a double constraint for keyword relevance: the terms characterizing the cluster had to be both central (in the network sense) and frequent enough for inclusion. Central terms entered into hierarchical clustering, frequent (and central) words were used in cluster labelling and topic designation.

The identification of the most important publications (core documents)

For the comprehension and expert characterization of topic clusters, we applied a modern bibliometric method, which algorithmically identifies the most characteristic publications of the topic. The method is the so-called ‘core documents’ methodology [ 20 ], the essence of which is the identification of documents that show the biggest possible thematic similarity to the biggest possible segment of the theme (defined by a similarity threshold). More precisely, the identification of core documents was based on the document similarity matrix used for delineating the 18 clusters (recall that his matrix was based on the abstract-, title- and keywords-based (composite) similarity of documents, with values ranging between 0 and 1, standing for complete thematic dissimilarity (0) to full thematic similarity (1), respectively). In this framework, core documents were defined by their thematic similarity to all other cluster members (using a parameter or threshold values chosen experimentally and “Similarity(.,.)” indicating the similarity measure):

D is a core document to Cluster [i] = Min. 50% of P papers in Cluster [i] satisfy the following condition: Similarity(D, P) > 0.6.

We created the list of the identified characteristic publications for each cluster along with the description of the cluster.

In the course of clustering, we identified four basic groups, from which we highlighted the most relevant 18 topics.

We present the 18 topics according to the following four aspects: the number of publications in the cluster (the size of the topic), the distribution of the publications based on publication date, the citation impact of the publications, and the analysis of the journal rank of publications within each topic.

The 18 topics are the following:

Soccer and physiology

Carbohydrate metabolism

Muscle physiology: alkalosis and acidosis

Muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation

Fluid balance and hydration

Dietary intake and nutrition knowledge

Determination of energy need of athletes

Bone health, female athlete triad

Hydration strategy

Body weight management

Nutritional Strategies and human skeletal muscle

Dietary supplementation of nitrates

Oxidative stress and dietary supplement use

Dietary supplement use and doping

Oxidative stress, inflammation, and dietary antioxidants

Exercise adaptation and nutritional strategies

Gut microbiota

Celiac disease

Scientometric characteristics of topics

The size distribution of topics.

Based on the absolute and relative size of the topics, that are based on the number of publications belonging to a cluster, we can get an insight into the significance of the explored topics and research trends in sport nutrition science. These data are displayed in Fig.  3 ., which, besides the number of publications in each cluster, also shows their composition in terms of the core publications identified through the targeted search as well as of the publications citing, and those cited by the core sample. In terms of weight (size), the most dominant topic, with ca. three hundred publications, is 'muscle power enhancement and dietary supplementation', followed by topics with about 200–250 publications: ‘carbohydrate metabolism’, ‘oxidative stress and dietary supplement use’, ‘exercise adaptation and nutritional strategies’, ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’, ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’. This group is closely followed by the topic of ‘bone health, female athlete triad’, ‘dietary intake and nutrition knowledge’, and ‘determination of energy need of athletes’, with about 200 publications. The group with 100–150 publications is led by the topics of ‘fluid balance and hydration’, and ‘body weight management’, moreover, here belong the themes of ‘soccer and physiology’, also the ‘hydration strategy’, as well as ‘dietary supplement use and doping’. In the 50–100 range, the dominant topics with almost 100 publications are ‘muscle physiology: alkalosis and acidosis’, ‘oxidative stress, inflammation and dietary antioxidants’, also here belong the smaller but well-defined topics of ‘gut microbiota’ and ‘celiac disease’. The full size of the topics greatly correlates with their role and importance in the core sample; that is, size ranking also reflects the extent to which the cluster is of ‘sport physiological’ nature.

figure 3

Size distribution of topics

Chronological distribution of topics

The distribution by publication date of the publications belonging to the identified topics, or, to put it another way, the chronological distribution of each cluster facilitates the assessment of the trends and relevance of each topic, of their ‘popular’ or ‘winding down’ nature. The distribution of the size of the topics is summarized in Fig.  4 ., which shows the number of documents belonging to each topic starting from 2010. Based on this, the trend graphs in the table provide an overview of the chronological dynamics of the topics. The trend graphs attest that each topic shows a growing tendency (that is, more and more articles appeared on the given topic in the past decade), each cluster is at its maximum size in the last examined year (2018). The differences between the topics appear in the characteristics and pattern of the increase. According to the latter, with a little simplification, we observe two types of increase: (1) the topic increases gradually from the beginning or middle of the examined decade, (2) after a relative ‘stagnation’, the topic shows a rising slope in the last few years. Type (1), a gradual increase is the most characteristic of the topics ‘muscle physiology: alkalosis and acidosis’, ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’, ‘exercise adaptation and nutritional strategies’. Type (2), sudden increase with a more moderate rising slope, spread over the last 4-5 years, appears in relation with the topics ‘soccer and physiology’, ‘energy intake and nutrition knowledge’, ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’, ‘fluid balance and hydration’, ‘hydration strategy’, ‘oxidative stress and dietary supplement use’, ‘dietary supplement use and doping’, ‘oxidative stress, inflammation and dietary antioxidants’. In the case of topics with a Type (2) the slope is rising and normally peaking in the last 2 years, these are the following: ‘muscle power enhancement and dietary supplementation’, 'determination of energy need of athletes’, ‘body weight management’, ‘gut microbiota’, and ‘celiac disease’. A ‘unique’ cluster, with a somewhat different pattern from the two basic types is the ‘carbohydrate metabolism’, which, along with some fluctuations, shows a steady output in the topic (also with a slight increase); another is ‘bone health and female athlete triad’, which also shows a steady output with a rising slope in the last examined year.

figure 4

Citation impact of topics and journal ranks

Apart from chronological trends, the relevance and scientific significance of topics can be investigated through the use of the following two groups of scientometric indicators: (1) the citation measures (of the publications) of individual topics, and (2) the prestige or rank of publication venues, i.e., journals. Citation measures provide information about the scientific impact exerted by publications within a topic, considered as a fundamental proxy to the relevance of topics for sport nutrition science.

Instead of the raw citation number, correcting for the field- and age-related differences, publications are characterized by their position in the citation distribution within the particular research field, i.e. with the citation percentile. The clusters with the biggest impact are those whose average, that is, the characteristic value of the relevant articles is situated closest to 100. Those with a median above the value of 75 can be considered to have a high general citation impact (they belong to the most cited, 25%, citation quartile). Based on this, practically all the identified clusters fall into the high citation measure range, both in terms of their median and of the majority (minimum 50%) of their publications. The topics with the biggest impact are the ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’ and ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’. A similarly high composite impact is shown by the topics of ‘soccer and physiology’, ‘carbohydrate metabolism’, ‘bone health and female athlete triad’, ‘body weight management’, and ‘gut microbiota’ (Fig.  5 ).

figure 5

The distribution of normalized citation impact (citation percentile) for clusters

The rank of publications, in this case, refers to the rank and recognition of the publishing journals, with the latter representing, in terms of the topics, the quality of knowledge transferred in them. To describe the rank and the quality of the knowledge content of topics, we applied the citation quartile system. The basis of the approach is the classification of publications into four quality classes according to the rank of the publishing journal. The so-called Q1 journals belong to the upper 25% of the journal rank of the field, Q2 journals belong to the upper 25–50% quartile, Q3 journals are in the lower 25–50%, and Q4, in the bottom 25%. Figure  6 . shows the distribution of the articles of the identified clusters among the four classes for each theme. In this case, also, we can state that almost all clusters include publications of high quality, inasmuch as on average, 50% of their publications are ranked Q1, and the majority of the rest of the publications belong to Q2, which can also be considered a satisfactory quality rank. ‘Carbohydrate metabolism’, ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’, ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’ stand out (Fig.  6 ).

figure 6

The rank of publications in the citation quartile system

In the next step of our methodological process, we applied the scientometric assessment of topics, for which we selected the four most significant topics and presented their internal structure in terms of key thematic relations based on our text mining and core document methodologies. We illustrated the conceptual network of topics with a dendrogram, and we analyzed the four topics based on their interconnections from the aspects of sport nutrition, sport physiology, type of sport, dietary supplements, and performance diagnostics. The collection of the 18 topics and their core papers are in Additional file  1 . Using an advanced bibliometric method, we obtained the so-called core papers for each research topic, the most representative publications in the cluster (see Additional file 1 ).

Description of the nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle cluster

This topic focuses on the relationship between sport performance and the metabolic pathways of skeletal muscle cells. Its most frequent issue is the role of PGC-1 alpha transcriptional regulation especially in the relation to mitochondrial biogenesis, citrate synthesis, endurance performance, phosphocreatine as the creatine substrate of performance enhancement, the relation of insulin, free fatty acids and fatigue, protein and carbohydrates (first of all fructose), and also in relation to energy expenditure and regeneration. Depending on the type of the examined sport, endurance training stands out, but high-intensity interval training is also present with almost the same frequency. Of the biological components, the role of P38 MAPK protein kinase is worth emphasizing (Fig.  7 ).

figure 7

Nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle topic. Notes: The keywords and concept groups belonging together are displayed in the same font color. Next to each keyword, color codes designate the occurrence frequency and importance of the given concept within the topic (color legend: red: high frequency, belonging to the top citation quartile of the distribution; orange: frequent, belonging to the third citation quartile of the distribution; yellow: medium frequency, belonging to the second citation quartile of the distribution; blue: low frequency, belonging to the bottom citation quartile of the distribution).

Description of the dietary supplementation of nitrates topic

The complex (sport-) physiological focus of the topic is on the relation network of blood circulation, oxidative metabolism and nitrogen metabolism and supplementation (in relation to sport activities). Its primary topics are oxygen consumption (related to the concept of efficiency), fatigue, inorganic nitrate substrate related to vascular function, the stimulus-muscle contraction connection, vegetarianism, the enzyme that produces nitrogen oxide substrate, the relation network of hypertension and vasodilatation, inflammation and beta-alanine, and bloodstream. Depending on the type of physical activity, this topic is characterized by endurance training, especially, related to oxidative stress and its biomarkers. The concept of diving response also emerged mainly related to oxygen uptake and consumption and more slightly to respiratory control. Within further substrata, sodium nitrite and with lower frequency, creatine-nitrate appeared. Regarding indices, the use of the VO2 performance indicator was relevant (Fig.  8 ).

figure 8

Dietary supplementation of nitrates topic

Description of the carbohydrate metabolism topic

From a sport physiological point of view, this topic also revolves around the improvement of skeletal muscle function, mainly in the relation to carbohydrate metabolism. Its pivotal concepts and issues are lipid oxidation during exercise metabolism processes, nitrogen balance (especially after eating), lean body mass (increase), aerobic capacity related mostly to fatigue and endurance training, glycemic index, muscle glycogen, and endurance training (and carbohydrate absorption). The latter is characteristic of the type of the examined sport and in the terms of branch of sport, cycling (timed training) and running emerged. In the case of the examined substrates, dietary supplements and biologically active components, the role of lipid oxidation (timed cycling), and - less frequently - catecholamine (running), sport drinks (cycling) and fructose (endurance training), and creatine kinase emerged (Fig.  9 ).

figure 9

Carbohydrate metabolism topic

Description of the muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation topic

The central topics of this cluster are the factors of muscle mass gain and strengthening. The most important questions of these topics - that the studies focus on - are the association between muscle recovery and injuries, muscle strength, anaerobe threshold, anaerobe capacity, cardiorespiratory endurance, and lean body mass. Categorized by the type of sport exercise the two major topics are resistance exercise and high-intensity exercise related mostly to cardiorespiratory endurance. The topic of dietary supplement use is also significant in this cluster. Proteins are the most important and nitrogen oxides, nitrates and creatine are also considerable among the studies on substrates and dietary supplements that play an important role in muscle mass gain and performance enhancement. Carnosine and beta-alanine have a relatively smaller significance in this topic. In this cluster, electromyography is a frequent research method (Fig.  10 ).

figure 10

Muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation topic

Nutrients and substrates that appeared in the clusters

Among the macronutrients, proteins and carbohydrates appeared the most frequently in the topics. These two nutrients were studied according to their general role in nutrition and also as ergogenic nutrients in sport nutrition. The role of proteins and amino acids were assessed in the ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’ and the ‘oxidative stress, inflammation, and dietary antioxidants’ clusters. In the carbohydrate metabolism cluster - more specifically - glucose plays a major role in the ‘soccer and physiology’ and fructose in the ‘nutritional strategies and  human skeletal muscle’ clusters. Regarding further nutrients and substrates, beta-alanine, creatine, caffeine, nitrates, and sodium appears frequently in the analysed publications. The effect of beta-alanine was studied in the ‘muscle physiology: alkalosis and acidosis’, ‘exercise adaptation and nutritional strategies’ and the ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’ clusters. The role of nitrates was assessed in the ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’ and in the ‘oxidative stress and dietary supplement use’ clusters. Besides the nitrates, caffeine was also analysed in these two latter clusters. Furthermore, the topic on the effect of caffeine had a major role in the ‘determination of energy need of athletes’ and ‘muscle physiology: alkalosis and acidosis’ clusters. The effect of creatine was studied in the ‘body weight management’, ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’ clusters. The pre- and probiotics were only assessed in the ‘gut microbiota’ cluster. The role of omega-3 fatty acids was analysed as stress and inflammatory marker in the ‘oxidative stress and dietary supplement use’ cluster (Table 1 ).

The results of the present study confirm the role of science mapping in (1) the identification of specific research topics, primary research directions, and (2) the exploration of the relative significance of research directions, their spatial and temporal dynamism. These factors facilitate the more precise identification of major research directions, the optimization of available research resources, and the implementation of developmental research more focused on actual needs.

In our search strategy to delineate the scientific discourse under study we employed a two-stage model, where first an expert-based core is outlined (PubMed search via MeSH), which, in turn, is extended by bibliometric methods, namely, the citation environment of the core. This procedure had profound implications on the time window under study: the PubMed database provided a sample ranging from the 2000’s to date, while the bibliometric extension, the augmented or full sample, resulted in a much longer time period, spanning between 1976 and 2018. Hence, this latter period was the true interval for our sample. However, analysis of the distribution of sample papers by publication year (Fig.  11 ) demonstrated that it is from the 2000’s that a statistically meaningful amount of publications appeared in the sample, accompanied with a rapid growth from around this year. Consequently, our results in fact reflect the structure of the field between 2000 and 2018, despite the much broader ‘nominal’ coverage of the sample. We can therefore set this period as the time window for our analysis and results, being highlighted in the title of the paper. Also, we conducted a statistical analysis of the trend of publication growth, identifying so-called ‘breakpoints’ that indicate substantial changes in the trend [ 21 ]. It also confirmed that our mapping has practically been focused on this 20-year time period (see Additional file  2 ).

figure 11

Distribution of sample papers by publication year

To illustrate the outlined connections, we present the results of our research with the help of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix, which is widely applied in management practice [ 22 ]. This visualization technique operates a coordinate system with one axis showing the market share (in our case: the ratio within all sport nutrition publications) and the other axis showing the rate of change over the examined period of time (2010–2018), (Fig.  12 ).

figure 12

BCG matrix of sport nutrition research trends. (color legend: red: topics related to basic research, blue: main directions of applied researches)

The Fig. 12 . attests to the great diversity of topics related to sport nutrition: no topic has a ratio higher than 10 % among all publications related to sport nutrition. The number and ratio of publications on ‘muscle power enhancement and dietary supplementation’ are relatively stable. Besides, there is a consistent focus on the topics of ‘dietary supplement use and doping’ and the issue of ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’. Over the past decade, the number of publications about the association between ‘dietary supplement use and doping’ and those on ‘nutrition knowledge of athletes’ has shown the most considerable increase.

A rising slope as a tendency was observed in the significance of researches on the nutrition of athletes with celiac disease and the importance of discipline-specific (e.g. soccer) analysis is also increasing. Notably, the ratio of topics related to sport nutrition predominantly connected to basic research (e.g. ‘muscle physiology: alkalosis and acidosis’, ‘carbohydrate metabolism’) has significantly decreased within all publications. This could be due to the fact that existing knowledge in sport nutrition science has become suitable for offering practical applications (e.g. development of dietary supplements) over the past decade. Based on Fig.  12 , four facts can be stated related to the main directions of development in the future:

Basic research continues to have a significant role as it provides the scientific foundation of specific product development.

Sport nutrition analyses related to the nutritional awareness of athletes and the restriction of doping substances will have increasing importance.

Special nutritional needs (e.g., food intolerance, vegetarianism, observation of religious regulations such as halal products) will have growing relevance in sports.

The importance of nutrition research on the unique needs of specific types of sport will also be increasing.

Several systematic reviews and position stands have been written in the field of sport nutrition and the most frequent topics in these publications are the following: creatine, protein, probiotics, beta-alanine and caffeine supplementation regarding different aspects of exercise [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Nutrition knowledge of athletes, body composition and nutrition of young female athletes are also highlighted topics of reviews [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Based on the results of the bibliometric mapping, all of these themes appear in the clusters and present the aspects of sport nutrition from a new perspective. In fact, nutrition of female athletes is the key-question of the ‘bone health, female athlete triad’ topic and body composition is the core of ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’ or ‘body weight management’ topics. The main topics of sport nutrition systematic reviews and position stands are the basis of the clusters mentioned and described above.

In the sport nutrition review of Kerksick et al. (2018), ergogenic nutrients and dietary supplements that are taken by athletes were categorized into three categories: strong evidence to support the efficacy and apparently safe; limited or mixed evidence to support the efficacy; little to no evidence to support the efficacy and/or safety. They emphasized that ‘evaluating the available scientific literature is an important step in determining the efficacy of any diet or the dietary supplement' [ 2 ]. Thus, their categorization of dietary supplements was based on the available scientific literature. Most muscle building and performance enhancement supplements that appeared in the clusters were classified into the ‘strong evidence to support efficacy and apparently safe’ category in the work of Kerksick et al. (2018). We can state that our results fit with the research trends of sport nutrition and the systematic synthesis and bibliometric analysis of the available scientific literature are complementary to each other.

Our study - like all of the literature reviews and bibliometric mapping study - is a necessary compromise between the limits of resources, time-frame of research, and length of publication. That’s why some limitations of the current study should be highlighted. (1) The pool of publications, used for our research: we have applied the two most prestigious databases of nutrition and medical and health sciences: the Pubmed and the WoS. The involvement of other databases (e.g. Scopus) and another language (e.g. Chinese) could further increase the set of information suitable for analysis. (2) We have to take into consideration that the relation between nutrition and physical performance has a very important and direct practical relevance. That’s why the published results of scientific research not necessarily reflect the frontiers of the actual knowledge, because the interests of business (e.g. pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical companies), sport (e.g. Olympic teams), as well as military and law enforcement organizations (e.g. the analysis of acknowledgment section of articles shows that one of the main sponsors of – rather cost-intensive research activities – are the armies) often limit the content of published information. A further limiting factor is related to the search strategy. (3) We applied a major MeSH term as a search query instead of creating a detailed search algorithm. (4) We tacitly supposed that the abstract exactly reflects the key points of the research goals and results. It is possible that this assumption was biased because there are some difference between the content of the abstract and that of the text of articles. (5) Last, but not least, we should note that bibliometric indicators (as basically all kinds of indicators) have their limitations and validity issues. Whether and in what sense citation indicators convey quality, impact, relevance, importance is a matter of active scholarly debate and theorizing since the advent of professional scientometrics. Beyond controversies, however, (1) various theories of citation (and empirical studies) converge on the conclusion that despite the uncertainties and accidental features of individual citations, at the aggregate and statistical level, citation measures can and, if well selected and employed, do have construct validity to scientific impact. Moreover (2) evaluative citation analysis is a legitimate and, to a fair extent, validated methodological framework for quantitative studies of science, which we chose as our framework.

Regarding our complete methodology, it is very important to emphasize that the hidden strategy behind bibliometric mappings is to complement or contrast the expert’s interpretation of a research field with the interpretation based on scholarly communication. Both are equally valid and valuable, but the latter may represent a somewhat different unit of the field and enrich the experts’ conceptualization. Precisely, in our case, the sample was based on a field-specific MeSH Major Topic as the expert-based “core” and was extended by discovering its citation environment in WoS. Thus, keywords plus citation relations that were used, which may go beyond a field-specific journal set, or even cross-classify the journal-based literature. However, it was our intention: we were interested in portraying the hidden units of sport nutrition research that emerges from scholarly communication within a preselected time window (from 2000 on). The same principle applies to topic formation: we aimed to uncover hidden relations (and clusters), which may not coincide with the most important and extensive theme categories. Furthermore, size (publication count) was only one aspect of excellence (beyond impact, quality, novelty, etc.) we used for characterizing topics. To illustrate this (whole) point, we added a figure showing the top-end of a simple frequency distribution of keywords in our sample, which does not reflect conceptual relations and structure (as opposed to our clusters). We found vitamin D and caffeine as relatively frequent topics, both known and indicated to be prominent concepts in the - long term - development of the field, but both being distributed among topic clusters where conceptual relations are being targeted (Fig.  13 ).

figure 13

The top-end of the frequency distribution of keywords in the sample corpus

Our research is the first large-scale bibliometric mapping study that presents the key topics of the publications in sport nutrition science of the past 10 years. In the course of the bibliometric analysis of sport nutrition science research, we analyzed 3889 scientific publications, which provided an insight into the most relevant research trends, the scientific impact of publications, the diachronic distribution of specific research directions, and the rank of publications. Altogether, we were able to identify four main groups. From the four main groups, we analyzed the 18 most dominant topics, from which four are portrayed in detail in the present article.

Based on the size of the topics, research in sport nutrition science has put the biggest emphasis on the three topics of ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’, ‘carbohydrate metabolism’, ‘oxidative stress, and dietary supplement use’. ‘Exercise adaptation and nutritional strategies’ make up nearly 8% of the full corpus, another 8% is made up of the relationship of performance and nutrition, and the ‘determination of energy need of athletes’, finally, 8% is made up by ‘dietary intake of athletes and nutrition knowledge’. Regarding the prevalence of specific topics, ‘muscle mass gain and dietary supplementation’, ‘determination of energy need of athletes’, ‘body weight management’, ‘gut microbiota’, and ‘celiac disease’ have rapidly become outstanding research topics in the last 2 years. Topics with the greatest scientific impact are ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’, ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’, ‘body weight management’, and ‘gut microbiota’. In terms of the quality of the transferred information, the topics of ‘carbohydrate metabolism’, ‘nutritional strategies and human skeletal muscle’, and ‘dietary supplementation of nitrates’ stand out.

Our research provided a justification for applying bibliometric analysis in four dimensions of the research topic:

Based on the number of publications in the cluster (the size of the topic), we get an insight into the impact of identified topics and research directions in the field of sport nutrition science.

The distribution of the publications based on publication date shows the trends and relevance of the specific topics.

The citation measure of the publications of a topic shows the scientific impact of publications of specific topics, which is a fundamental approach to the sport nutrition science relevance of themes.

The exploration of the prestige or rank of publications within each cluster: in this case, the rank of publication means the rank or recognition of the publishing journal, with the latter representing, in terms of the themes, the ‘quality’ of transferred knowledge related to the theme.

It can be stated that sport nutrition is a rapidly developing, organically evolving, interdisciplinary field of science. New frontiers of knowledge and challenges of demand force a constantly increasing scope of this science, parallel with continuous deepening of understanding the interplay of different biological and chemical systems with inherent demand of modern sport. Results of the current research highlight the importance of bibliometric mapping studies in this field, because this approach offers an exact way to determine the future, prospective ways of further development and promote the optimal allocation of scarce intellectual and material resources of research.

Availability of data and materials

A part of data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article [and its supplementary information files]. The complete datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

Medical Subject Headings

Natural Language Processing

Web of Science

Journal Citation Report

Betweenness centrality

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Acknowledgements

The research was conducted in collaboration with Scitec Institute for Sport Performance and the study was supported by Food Science doctoral school of Szent István University.

The study was supported by the European Union and co-financed by the European Social Fund (grant agreement no. EFOP-3.6.3-VEKOP-16-2017-00005).

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Kiss, A., Temesi, Á., Tompa, O. et al. Structure and trends of international sport nutrition research between 2000 and 2018: bibliometric mapping of sport nutrition science. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 18 , 12 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-021-00409-5

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Sports Nutrition: Diets, Selection Factors, Recommendations

Kristina a. malsagova.

1 Biobanking Group, Branch of IBMC “Scientific and Education Center” Bolshoy Nikolovorobinsky Lane, 109028 Moscow, Russia; [email protected] (A.T.K.); moc.liamg@aylivna (A.A.S.); [email protected] (A.A.S.); [email protected] (A.A.I.); [email protected] (T.V.B.); moc.liamg@1avehsyak (A.L.K.)

Arthur T. Kopylov

Alexandra a. sinitsyna, alexander a. stepanov, alexander a. izotov, tatyana v. butkova, konstantin chingin.

2 Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Mass Spectrometry and Instrumentation, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China; [email protected]

Mikhail S. Klyuchnikov

3 State Research Center Burnasyan of the Federal Medical Biophysical Centre of the Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, 123098 Moscow, Russia; moc.em@vokinhcujlk

Anna L. Kaysheva

Associated data.

This is a review paper that collected from public data listed in the “Reference” and from open access web-source Pubmed.

An athlete’s diet is influenced by external and internal factors that can reduce or exacerbate exercise-induced food intolerance/allergy symptoms. This review highlights many factors that influence food choices. However, it is important to remember that these food choices are dynamic, and their effectiveness varies with the time, location, and environmental factors in which the athlete chooses the food. Therefore, before training and competition, athletes should follow the recommendations of physicians and nutritionists. It is important to study and understand the nutritional strategies and trends that athletes use before and during training or competitions. This will identify future clinical trials that can be conducted to identify specific foods that athletes can consume to minimize negative symptoms associated with their consumption and optimize training outcomes.

1. Introduction

Nutrition is considered one of the foundations of athletic performance, and post-workout nutritional recommendations are fundamental to the effectiveness of recovery and adaptive processes. Therefore, an effective recovery strategy between workouts or during competition can maximize adaptive responses to various mechanisms of fatigue, improving muscle function and increasing exercise tolerance. An effective intervention to restore the physical fitness of an athlete by monitoring the regimen and diet, timely admission, and the specified quality and quantity of food components is considered fundamental [ 1 ].

Currently, new directions in dietetics are being formed, focusing on the creation of personalized diets. These include (1) genetic studies that are likely to determine people’s predisposition to a particular type of food and the degree of risk of food-related diseases [ 2 ]; (2) studies on the diversity of the human microbiota, the characteristics of digestion, and the state of the intestinal barrier [ 3 , 4 ]; and (3) studies of individual responses of the immune system to food antigens that cause changes in food tolerance and reactivity of the adaptive immune response. The adaptive immune response is provided by lymphocyte functions (acquired immunity) and plays an important role in the defense from infection and elimination of exogenous pathogens in vivo [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].

Food allergy is defined as an adverse immune-mediated reaction that occurs when exposed to a food agent and disappears when it is withdrawn [ 9 ]. Other non-allergic food reactions are intolerant and do not affect the immune system [ 10 ]. Adverse food reactions can also occur due to toxins, manifestations of congenital metabolic disorders [ 10 ], and functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Food allergy is a health problem affecting 3% to 10% of the worldwide population of adults and up to 8% of children [ 11 ]; approximately 2% to 20% of the world’s population has a food intolerance [ 12 ].

In addition, food intolerance is on the rise among athletes, but the use of unverified food intolerance tests calls into question an accurate assessment of the state of true intolerance in the population [ 12 ]. While physical activity is good for people’s health, intense training, as in the case of elite athletes, harms the immune system and increases the permeability of the gastrointestinal tract. Some studies have linked food intolerance in elite athletes to excessive physical activity [ 12 ]. Therefore, in the research [ 12 ], an experimental longitudinal study lasting three months was conducted to assess the impact of food intolerance on sports performance and the health of elite athletes. According to the results of a food intolerance test, an individual elimination diet was drawn up. The blood test showed a decrease in the level of food intolerance after the diet in each athlete, which indicated that the elimination diet significantly improved the athlete’s well-being, making it possible to achieve a faster decrease in heart rate after cardiopulmonary testing.

The primary manifestation of food intolerance is malabsorption of lactose and fructose, resulting from an insufficient supply of enzymes and insufficient functionality of transporters [ 10 , 13 , 14 ]. Symptoms can vary, including gastrointestinal upsets (bloating, loose stools, abdominal pain) and/or extraintestinal symptoms (fatigue, headaches, and cognitive problems) that appear hours or days after eating [ 10 ]. Some of these symptoms overlap with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and exercise-induced functional gastrointestinal disturbances [ 10 , 15 ]. Given the ambiguous nature of food intolerance, its diagnosis, as a rule, is performed independently by athletes with the subsequent cancelation of certain food products or a group of products [ 9 , 16 ].

Gluten-free diets are under active development, and there is evidence of the benefits of a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) for reducing exercise-induced gastrointestinal symptoms [ 9 ].

The review purposed to assess the current state of the eating behavior of athletes, food market development, food choice rationality, and effectiveness of the developed and elaborated recommendations. The primary analysis was performed using a text-mining tool to highlight and pick up concepts from the PubMed ScanBious source ( https://cryptome.ru/ , accessed on 15 September 2021) [ 17 , 18 ]. The combined pool of articles of interest was comprised of 94 studies within 10 years depth. Additionally, we analyzed the literature from the past ten years and used secondary literature sources. The search was conducted using such resources as the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and Mendeley for the keywords (MeSH) “sports”, “athletes”, “diet”, “nutritional requirements”, “physical endurance”.

2. Factors Influencing Diet Choices of Athletes

Many factors are known to influence food choices, including personal taste, affordability, cost, sustainability, culture, family, and religious beliefs ( Figure 1 ) [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. In addition to these factors, individual knowledge of food and nutritional science also influences choices [ 22 ].

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Factors influencing dietary choices of athletes.

Among athletes, nutrition plays an important role since the regimen and composition of the diet are associated with success in sports [ 23 , 24 ]. Concerns about weight and body shape strongly influence food choices for the general population [ 12 ] and have a similar effect on athletes, where attempts to achieve their goals are associated with external data on physique, weight, and performance [ 25 ]. Factors affecting food choices can differ depending on an athletes priorities, as sports participants can range from recreational (leisure or recreational sports) to elite (national or international competition) [ 26 , 27 ].

2.1. Physiobiological Factors

Historically, the main factor influencing individual food choices has been satisfying hunger, usually driven by appetite and fullness [ 28 ]. Temporary suppression of appetite after moderate or vigorous exercise may be due to changes in appetite-regulating hormones, body temperature, and/or decreased blood flow in the intestines [ 29 , 30 , 31 ]. In addition, appetite is suppressed at high altitudes and during exercise in hot environments [ 31 ]. In addition, research has shown that exercise at lower temperatures can stimulate appetite based on increased energy intake [ 32 ], and that athletes can eat despite a loss of appetite [ 33 ], or ignore hunger cues and limit their food intake to achieve weight targets [ 34 ]. This behavior suggests that hunger may not be the main motivator for food choices. Relying on hunger as an indicator of an athlete’s energy needs may be inappropriate when working with this population [ 35 ].

The hunger and satiety feeling are influenced by the amount of consumed food and its chemical and physical properties [ 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Being a key parameter that controls nutrient intake and affects the body weight, satiety is comprehensively controlled and depends on food ingredients [ 37 ]. Many athletes need strict weight control to achieve their goals in the competition season [ 36 ]. Controlled consumption of fiber (including oatmeal and barley), dietary fat, and carbohydrates is the main strategy to determine a satiety diet [ 37 , 38 ].

Homeostatic mechanisms related to the balance of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins are thought to help regulate eating behavior and energy balance [ 29 , 39 ]. Increased energy and macronutrient intake after exercise may be related to substrate oxidation, so athletes are more likely to consume foods high in carbohydrates, post-workout, to restore carbohydrate balance [ 40 ]. However, this is not always observed in scientific research, as there are differences potentially associated with the design of the experiment and the population being studied [ 40 , 41 ]. Much of the research on macronutrient regulatory systems relates to energy intake and obesity [ 39 , 41 , 42 ]. Much of the research on macronutrient regulatory systems relates to energy intake and obesity. The results may apply differently to populations of athletes wherein carbohydrate intake during exercise is common practice and wherein training adaptations may affect product use [ 43 ].

Taste is an important determinant of food choices because the aroma, taste, and appearance of foods are pleasurable, activating a rich and varied sensory experience [ 44 , 45 ]. However, among elite athletes, the taste may become a less critical factor before an important game or event when preference is given to products that improve athletic performance [ 26 , 46 ]. For example, some athletes avoid preferred foods before a competition to achieve weight-related goals [ 34 ]. The importance of food taste can differ by gender, income, and age and is often viewed concerning other priorities such as health, weight, or financial concerns [ 19 , 29 , 47 ].

Athletes with food allergies or intolerances tend to avoid certain foods to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, or to minimize the development of reactions associated with, for example, gastrointestinal disorders (heartburn, bloating, diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and vomiting) during exercise [ 29 , 48 , 49 ]. Gastrointestinal problems impair performance or subsequent recovery and up to 30%-50% of athletes (mostly endurance athletes) face such complaints [ 50 ] Following intense exercise, especially with hypohydration, the decrease of mesenteric blood flow is considered the main symptom of the development of gastrointestinal issues. Since the severity of gastrointestinal upset affects performance and overall competitive results, post-exercise mesenteric blood flow holds a key position regarding the food choice as much before as during the competition. Nutrition should ensure rapid gastric emptying and absorption of water and nutrients, as well as maintaining adequate internal vascular perfusion. It has been shown, that athletes frequently change their diet and food preferences before a competition to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort [ 33 , 51 ].

2.2. Lifestyle Factors

Important factors regarding food choices vary according to lifestyle preferences [ 52 , 53 ]. People may choose to play sports to become physically active. Motivation for this can be to maintain or improve health, the desire to have a lean body, and optimal weight [ 54 ]. Several studies have shown that performance is one of the most important factors affecting food choice for athletes, both for individual and team sports [ 23 , 33 , 55 ]. In addition, an athlete’s attention regarding choice of nutrition may vary depending on the phase of the season, the type of sport, the fitness of the athlete, and the level of competition [ 33 , 46 , 55 ]. For example, when training performance is not particularly critical, hockey players in the off-season are more relaxed about food choices, while more competitive triathletes tend to prefer food that maximizes performance. Strength athletes place less emphasis on performance factors (e.g., nutrient content in foods) than endurance athletes [ 55 ]. It is important to keep these points in mind when working with athletes.

Nutritional awareness and bias can also influence food choices [ 56 ]. Thus, an athlete’s knowledge of foods, dietary patterns, and their role in health and athletic performance can influence their dietary choices. However, despite awareness in the field of sports nutrition, athletes do not always apply the knowledge gained in practice [ 57 ]. Athletes at a higher level (international or national) have higher nutrition knowledge and are more responsible in their food choices while prioritizing performance [ 58 , 59 ]. Although limited research suggests that nutritional knowledge can influence the diet of athletes, further research is needed that considers additional factors that may be important in an athlete’s diet.

2.3. Psychological Factors

Weight is an important factor in food choice [ 60 ]. Cognitive or conscious dietary restriction to control body weight may be characteristic of athletes trying to change body weight to improve athletic performance [ 33 ], or gain athletic form [ 24 , 61 ]. Therefore, athletes are at an increased risk of eating disorders in sports where more attention is paid to body weight and shape (gymnastics, swimming) [ 25 , 62 ]. Consequently, athletes can restrict food intake to achieve the “ideal” weight for esthetic or performance reasons. Overall, weight problems can be a driving force in the dietary choices of many athletes, but more research is needed in this area.

Some studies have shown that people eat more than just to satisfy hunger [ 20 , 28 , 58 ]. Opportunities to consume a variety of delicious, readily available, and, for the most part, inexpensive foods continue to grow. For this reason, many argue that, currently, food choice is primarily influenced by the so-called hedonic hunger when people tend to eat for pleasure in the absence of an energy deficit [ 28 ]. In [ 63 ], subjects with compensatory energy intake compensated for energy expended on exercise by increasing the amount of food they eat, while subjects with non-compensatory energy intake did not.

2.4. Social Factors

Diet composition can also be determined by the social factors associated with daily life [ 64 ]. For example, one’s schedule of work, school, training, competition, or other amusement can determine food choice, while preference is given to food that can be quickly and easily prepared [ 23 , 65 , 66 ]. It is also important for athletes to meet their energy needs after exercise, so they may have frequent consumption of food that is convenient and easy to prepare [ 33 , 67 , 68 ]. Some athletes report overeating in dining rooms due to the abundance of options available and/or repeated trips to the grocery line after observing teammates eating [ 23 ]. Similarly, the dietary choices of younger athletes can be influenced by the dietary choices of older and more experienced teammates [ 23 ]. Food marketing, media, and advertising are common sources of nutritional information for many consumers, including athletes, and this can influence their food choices [ 69 , 70 ].

Thus, research shows that dietary accessibility, social support, habits, and marketing can influence food choices. However, it is unclear how important these factors are for athletes, and further research in this area is needed.

Athletes have different religious and cultural backgrounds associated with certain customs, traditions, values, and beliefs, which are usually passed down from generation to generation and can influence their choice of food [ 71 , 72 ]. For some athletes, family traditions and ethnic background do not matter much when choosing food, while for others, food choices based on religious beliefs are paramount [ 73 ]. Indeed, long-standing customs may prevail over health and sport-recommendations recommendations in favor of the performance seen in heavy sports such as wrestling and horse racing [ 34 , 74 ]. In general, cultural factors are important determinants of food choices and can be important for athletes.

2.5. Economic Factors

Choice of food products is often determined by cost. This factor is especially important for people with low incomes and students [ 66 ]. For athletes, the choice of a healthy diet is often limited by their financial situation [ 69 , 75 ]. Participation in certain sports can be costly and therefore only attract those who can afford it [ 26 ]. Sometimes, one’s level of income is not always the decisive factor in food choice. For many, it is important to obtain good value for money [ 76 ].

The most common are gluten-free (GF), vegetarian, and lean diets. These diets are popular diets for the entire population, however, they are also used by some professional athletes to maintain health. An increasingly popular diet low in FODMAPs is used to reduce exercise-related gastrointestinal symptoms [ 15 ]. However, the potential consequences of dietary restrictions and special diets should be carefully evaluated [ 77 ].

3.1. Gluten-Free Diet

Over the past ten years, the market for GF products has grown by 110%. Consumption of GF foods is relevant for people with celiac disease (CD), gluten intolerance (GI), and wheat allergy (WA). However, it is an autoimmune disease that interferes with intestinal absorption due to inflammation and atrophy of the villi [ 78 ]. CD prevalence is estimated to be approximately 1% [ 79 ].

Despite the different etiology and severity of manifestation, the symptoms of celiac disease (CD) and gluten intolerance (GI) are very similar - diarrhea, bloating and gas, abdominal pain, nausea and constipation, headache and fatigue, etc.

Despite different etiology and severity of manifestation, symptoms of celiac disease (CD) and gluten intolerance (GI) are quite similar and include diarrhea, bloating and gas, abdominal pain, nausea and constipation, headache and fatigue, etc. However, the diagnosis of GI is difficult because physicians are less aware of gluten intolerance than gluten disease or wheat allergy. Thus, GI is generally established after excluding celiac disease and wheat allergy [ 80 ].

Some may eat small amounts of gluten until they reach a threshold, while others are gluten-intolerant. WA differs from GI and CD. People with WA undergo a systemic reaction to gluten. The symptoms of WA are similar to those of other allergies, such as hives and swelling. However, for CD, GI, and WA, therapy aims to eliminate gluten from the diet.

Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) excludes all sources of gluten (a storage protein component containing glutenin and gliadin) because eating foods containing gluten or gliadin (wheat, barley, and rye) is accompanied by an inappropriate immune response [ 78 ]. Gliadin is not fully digested or cleared from the body, and does not induce an immune response in people without CD. A previous study [ 79 ] provided information on the types of foods and ingredients relevant to the GFD, as well as foods rich in gluten or containing hidden gluten.

GFD commitment has become popular among athletes. GFD is known to be essential for maintaining health and controlling symptoms in people with gluten sensitivities, but as a result of its marketing strategy, a GFD is in a “privileged” position with the promise of overall health and ergogenic benefits [ 16 ]. The main reason for adherence to a GFD in athletes is the widespread belief that gluten causes gastrointestinal pathology and inflammation. The number of athletes adhering to a GFD is four times higher than that of the part of the general population estimated to require gluten restriction or elimination [ 81 ]. According to Lis et al., 41% of athletes without CD report adherence to a GFD, while about 60% self-identified GI [ 16 ]. A study [ 78 ] investigated the effect of a GFD in athletes without CD on endurance. The findings showed that a seven-day GFD did not positively or negatively affect gastrointestinal health, inflammation, or the overall well-being and performance of non-celiac cycling athletes. However, it is important to consider a higher likelihood of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndromes [ 15 ].

In addition, the elimination of gluten from the diet means that many carbohydrate foods consumed by endurance athletes are also eliminated from the diet [ 82 ]. Iron deficiency anemia occurs in 70% of people with CD [ 83 ]. Therefore, it is necessary for such athletes to carefully plan their nutritional needs for training and competition [ 84 ]. In cases where CD is accompanied by iron-deficiency anemia, it is vital to follow an iron-rich GFD. A study [ 82 ] analyzed nutritional intake during training and competition in the 384 km K4 cycling race of an aspiring long-distance cyclist diagnosed with CD. During the competition, the athlete reported nausea when they tried to consume sugary drinks or marmalade, so their desire to eat decreased. This was probably due to a combination of prolonged consumption of sugary foods and fatigue. Furthermore, the use of dry and crumbly forms of GF foods also proved to be problematic, as some of the food was lost, and the consumption of dry foods can increase the urge to drink. In addition, GF foods tend to be high in calories, which can slow stomach emptying and cause discomfort during exercise [ 85 ]. GF foods are energetically rich, but low protein content makes athletes feel hungry despite meals. As a result, against the background of hunger, the development of psychological disorders is possible. The athlete completed his main task to finish the race, but the total race time was almost 2 h slower than expected. This could have been due to insufficient energy intake, which led to the early onset of fatigue. Therefore, for athletes with CD during training and competition, it is necessary to consider alternative dietary regimens to increase endurance [ 82 ].

3.2. FODMAPs Diet

FODMAP is a family of fermentable short-chain carbohydrates found in a wide variety of foods and components [ 9 , 86 ]. The FODMAP diet has become an advanced treatment for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms with a 70% success rate [ 87 ]. Some components of FODMAPs are poorly digested, but gastrointestinal symptoms are often absent or only mild. Athletes performing strenuous exercise often experience impaired function concerning the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, undigested food molecules increase the osmotic load in the small intestine, the osmotic translocation of water and weight loss, and the development of diarrhea or constipation. The consumption of carbohydrates is necessary to maintain energy requirements [ 49 ].

Athlete-specific data support the concept that FODMAPs affect exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptoms [ 88 , 89 ]. Gastrointestinal symptoms can occur after intense exercise, which can affect energy replenishment. This is especially important when competitions take place over several days or several times a day. Often athletes exclude foods high in FODMAPs such as lactose, fructose with excess glucose, galactooligosaccharides, polyols, and fructans) on their own [ 90 ]. Some studies have highlighted the effectiveness of using a low FODMAP diet to reduce the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms during and outside of exercise [ 89 , 91 ].

Therefore, in the study [ 90 ], 910 athletes were interviewed to assess their attitude toward the exclusion of food/ingredients associated with gastrointestinal disorders. After eliminating a large number of FODMAP-containing foods, athletes reported an improvement in symptoms ranging from 68.2% (polyols) to 83.7% (lactose). More often, athletes excluded lactose sources and, to a lesser extent, other high FODMAP foods. Lactose elimination can be achieved by eliminating all sources of lactose, limiting exclusively concentrated sources, or eliminating only pre-workout. However, the elimination of lactose by athletes to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms can lead to calcium deficiency, so individual dietary strategies should be followed to ensure adequate intake [ 92 ].

3.3. Plant-Based Diets

According to a study [ 93 ], there is a growing interest in plant-based diets, especially in relation to vegan diets and semi-vegetarian or flexitarian diets among athletes. Approximately 8% of international athletes follow a vegetarian diet, and 1% are vegans [ 94 ].

Vegetarian and vegan diets have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases among non-athletes [ 94 ]. In their work, Craddock et al. performed a comparative analysis of physical performance in athletes, which did not reveal clear differences between a vegetarian diet and an omnivorous mixed diet. The prevailing vegetarian diet did not improve or decrease the performance of the athletes [ 95 ]. However, owing to its high carbohydrate content, a vegetarian diet can be beneficial for energy storage. In addition, antioxidants and phytochemicals are helpful [ 95 , 96 ]. However, plant-based diets can reduce certain nutrients in the body, including omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, iodine, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are less present in plant foods or are less readily absorbed from plants than from animal sources [ 96 ].

In general, plant-based diets containing various whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds can provide proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Depending on your dietary choices, focusing on foods high in protein, iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B12 (such as yeast extract foods) will ensure adequate nutritional status. While research strongly suggests that a plant-based diet may provide some health benefits, there is little evidence that vegetarian diets are better than that of omnivores in terms of improving fitness, health, and performance.

In their study, Pelly et al. studied the diet of athletes participating in major international competitions during the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. In total, 351 athletes were questioned. Most athletes (62%) reported following one or more dietary regimens, with 50% following a nutritional-based diet. Athletes from weight classes and esthetic (28%) and strength/sprint (41%) sports followed low-fat and high-protein regimens, respectively. Other specialized diets were followed by 33% of the participants, with the most frequently reported avoiding red meat (13%), vegetarian diets (7%), halal (6%), and low lactose (5%) diets. More athletes from non-Western regions followed a vegetarian diet, while more vegetarians reported avoiding supplements and wheat [ 97 ].

Therefore, special diets are effective for some athletes. However, each of them should be carefully evaluated, along with the rationale for choosing the diet. To optimize nutrition for high athletic performance, one should consult with an accredited dietitian as well as medical and sport sciences personnel. Organizers of major sporting events must ensure the availability of adequate nutrition and food supplies.

4. Functional Food for Athletes

Sports nutrition guidelines indicate that it is necessary to use a large quantity of carbohydrates during training for athletes in sports related activity for endurance. Most commercially available energy drinks, smoothies, and bars have a high glycemic index. However, high carbohydrate intake can cause gastrointestinal upset because of its high osmolality (see the FODMAP diet) [ 98 ]. For people with glucose intolerance, diabetes, or hyperglycemia, during exercise, such prescriptions can be dangerous or even fatal [ 1 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 ].

Grubic et al. developed a glucose-free food bar that meets sports nutrition guidelines. Ingestion of a bar containing whey protein (20 g), isomaltooligosaccharides of plant fibers (25 g), and fats (7 g) is effective in glucose homeostasis and performance, compared to the experience of conventional carbohydrate intake. Subjects were asked to take a food bar 30 min before, during, and after exercise during the study. The training program consisted of 11 resistance exercises (three sets of ten repetitions), followed by agility exercises and timed sprints. This study showed that the glycemic and insulinemic responses were more favorable for the maintenance of euglycemia than the intake of an equivalent amount of carbohydrates (dextrose) [ 103 ], which in turn allowed maintenance of the necessary level of performance during training and reduced muscle pain after exercise.

Replacing carbohydrates rapidly is an urgent problem for athletes, and today, solutions are available. Cereal foods, such as rice, can effectively maintain energy levels. More recently, Ishihara et al. modified a rice cake by the addition of sweet potatoes and evaluated the availability of raw rice as a source of carbohydrates during endurance training [ 104 ]. The training protocol consisted of one hour of continuous race time. Evaluation using a visual analog scale showed that this product significantly suppressed the degree of hunger ( p < 0.05) and, more significantly, tended to decrease thirst ( p < 0.10) during the training period.

Dairy products are also in demand, as they are some of the best muscle-building aids in sports [ 105 , 106 , 107 ]. However, athletes often experience lactose intolerance. In this case, milk must be replaced with products containing enzymes, such as fermented milk. The digestibility of such products reaches 91%, in contrast to the digestibility of milk, which is 34% [ 108 ].

Russian scientists reported that a specialized food product for athletes was developed based on fermented milk whey “MDX” (LLC “PROBIO,” RF) to increase adaptive capabilities [ 109 ]. The test drink, obtained by microbiological processing of whey (cheese, curd, and casein), using industrial cultures of lactic acid microorganisms and subsequent low-temperature concentration, contained a formula of: hydrolyzed whey protein, oligopeptides, and free amino acids, glucose, galactose, lactic acid, acid, C, E, B1, B2, B6, PP, β-carotene, folic acid, as well as endosomal enzymes of lactic acid bacteria; microelements, Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , Mn 2+ , Fe 2+ , and macroelements, K + , Na + , Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ and phosphorus. The product also contained a live culture of lactic acid bacteria: Lactococcus lactis , L. thermohilus , and L. bulgaricus (1.2 × 108 CFU/cm 3 ). The study involved 30 cross-country skiers (average age 19.5 ± 1.8 years). Twelve skiers in the main group consumed the specialized food product for 21 days, and 18 skiers took a placebo. The revealed functional changes were most likely associated with an absolute increase (by 31%, p < 0.05) in relative physical performance (by 33%, p < 0.05) and in the aerobic endurance of the skiers.

Currently, there is a hypothesis about the need for a carbohydrate-protein mixture (CHO:PRO) in the diet of sprint athletes [ 1 , 110 ]. Some studies have shown that CHO:PRO in the diet increases muscle glycogen stores, decreases muscle damage, and improves exercise adaptation [ 1 ]. The carbohydrate-protein blend improves the rapid recovery process by stimulating muscle protein synthesis, as well as activating both the target signaling mechanism of rapamycin [ 111 ] and more efficient storage of glycogen through an insulinotropic response [ 112 ].

CHO increases the amount of insulin, thereby attenuating the post-workout cortisol response. Combined with the anabolic response to protein supplementation, this has a positive effect on protein synthesis. In addition, it has been shown that weakening of the cortisol response is greatest with the combined use of CHO and PRO versus taking only CHO or PRO in a sample of untrained young adult men [ 113 ].

da Silva et al. developed a skimmed, lactose-free, and leucine-fortified cow milk chocolate (CML) prototype. The developers proposed a lactose-free “ready-to-eat” product that was tested on a group of soccer players. The findings suggest that CML tasted good and was well tolerated by athletes in this study [ 114 ]. This suggested that CML could be an alternative sports drink that would provide post-workout energy recovery while avoiding discomfort for athletes with lactose intolerance.

Born et al. conducted a comparative analysis of the two commercial products. Chocolate Milk (CM) (Horizon Organic Low-Fat Chocolate Milk, WhiteWave Foods Company, Denver, CO, USA) used a mixture of carbohydrates and proteins, CHO: PRO, as an additive. A commercially available sports drink was used as a CHO additive. Research into the effects of beverage-based supplements on the recovery of adolescent athletes has been performed in the field. The analysis showed a decrease in bench press strength after five weeks of training in the CHO group compared to an increase in strength in the CM group [ 115 ].

Athletes and athlete support specialists may be interested in special formulations as an alternative to regular sports drinks designed to meet the high metabolic costs of grueling team sports. Such products are of interest as an opportunity to prevent gastrointestinal disorders. These studies prove that the intake of alternative products is rational for addressing food intolerance and systematic training loads and effective for increasing the adaptive capabilities of athletes.

5. Personalized Nutrition for Athletes

The introduction of omics technologies into professional sport practice provides an opportunity for a personalized (personified) approach for various areas, including nutrition.

Recently, concepts such as nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics have begun to be employed in sports genetics. Nutrigenomics describes the effect of food components on gene expression, whereas nutrigenetics intends to determine the optimal diet for a particular person depending on personal genetic status and relevant response to food. It is also important to take into account that each person responds differently depending on their genotypic and phenotypic characteristics even if nutrients act in a dose-dependent manner, modulating some physiological functions [ 116 ]. In particular, the cross-talk between genes and nutrients can affect the amount and type of nutrients consumed with food, and therefore the functions of the body [ 117 ].

The amount and the type of protein and carbohydrate in a -personalized diet are critical to muscle growth and overall performance. Over the past years, there is significant progress in the understanding of the mechanism regulating gene expression and protein synthesis events, in the evaluation of genetic variations, and in how to figure out essential nutrients capable for activating such processes.

Genetic variations can influence the total amount of bioactive peptides obtained from the protein source and, hence, their accessibility to muscle growth. Different foods are ambiguous in protein quality as an instant source of limiting amino acids. Leucine, for example, is a key factor of protein synthesis and enhances the activity of various kinases that regulate the onset of translation processes such as the mTOR signaling pathway. The excessive functionality of the mTOR pathway, caused by genetic polymorphisms, affects muscle growth and performance in athletes by means of nutrient absorption and protein synthesis. Considering these genetic data, it is required proper nutritional strategies that balance the intake of carbohydrates and protein from food and supplements.

Genetic polymorphisms in LAT1 and LAT2 genes (encoding BCAA amino acid transporters) may impact the rate of leucine post-ingestion absorption, thence, reducing the amount of leucine available for protein synthesis [ 118 ].

The past decade is highlighted by rigorous studying of genetic polymorphisms and environmental factors both affecting lipids transport and plasma lipids level. This knowledge is essential to render a new personalized strategy of a balanced diet for athletes. The effect of minor rs4315495 SNP in LPIN1 and the diet on serological lipids profile was examined [ 119 ]. Participants, carrying such SNP and maintaining a high-protein diet, demonstrated diminished circulating triacylglycerides level.

Also, due care should be taken for the daily amount of minerals and vitamins in order to find the proper personal dose of micronutrients. In particular, new nutrigenomic studies highlight the importance of proper daily intake of certain minerals and vitamins to maximize athlete performance and proper recovery from exercise [ 119 ].

Nevertheless, despite the growing market of genetic testing aimed to predict athlete performance and talent, nutrigenetic and nutrigenomic testing are less known and less utilized. The most critical challenge is the complexity in the estimation of functional roles of various polymorphisms, specifically because any polymorphism can directly or indirectly act on other genes, proteins, or metabolic pathways. Hence, more research is needed to establish the complex network of gene and nutrient associations capable of determining the type of essential nutrients to be integrated and the type of nutrients with harmful potency.

6. Nutritional Advisory Services and Recommendations

In a major international competition, the Taipei Universiade (2017), a nutrition service was launched by a nutritionist, using FoodWorks (Nutrition Analysis Software, to provide nutritional advice for improving the diet of young and adult athletes.

The results of this event showed that the consumers of the service were interested in food allergy/intolerance issues. Most athletes seeking nutritional advice had no previous nutritional support (86.5%) and wanted nutritional plans and performance-related advice (81.1%).

At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, a study was conducted that aimed to (1) determine the qualifications of nutritionists who may be required at points of sale of food organized at major competitions, (2) examine the opinions of athletes regarding the use of nutrition support services, and (3) analyze the relationship of their sport with the existing knowledge about nutrition [ 120 ]. Inquiries were received from athletes from the Western Regions regarding nutrition and special/therapeutic dietary requirements (mainly regarding food allergies and intolerances). Athletes from non-Western regions and athletes in weight categories made more requests for sports nutrition and consulted more often.

Currently, a large selection of test methods can be used to determine the prevalence of intolerance of certain foods and/or their components. The results of these analyses, as a rule, were supplemented by the recommendations of a specialist. Table 1 provides a list of laboratory products designed to analyze food intolerance or allergies.

List of commercial products for detecting food intolerances or allergies.

Furthermore, digestion control applications are currently being developed. For example, FoodMarble ( https://www.foodmarble.com , accessed on 15 September 2021) developed the FoodMarble AIRE, a portable breath monitor with connected app. The FoodMarble AIRE allows the analysis of the digestion process in real-time.

In addition to the above commercial products, recommendations for athletes are being developed by the international nutrition community, the Ministry of Sports, and researchers( Table 2 ).

Recommendations on the peculiarities of the nutritional diet by sports scientific and medical organizations and scientific research.

Evaluating athlete nutrition is challenging due to the influence of periodic exercise and other sport-specific factors such as frequent overeating, large portion sizes, and widespread use of sports nutrition and supplements [ 67 , 131 ]. Advances in technology may make it easier to automate certain aspects of nutritional assessment, reduce costs, and reduce respondent burden [ 132 , 133 ]. However, existing online nutritional applications tend to focus only on assessing the macronutrient and/or micronutrient intake and have often not been validated among athletes.

Food-based diet indices are a quick and inexpensive way to estimate food intake. These indices assess food intake and diet and compare them with dietary recommendations. An athlete’s diet index can provide an effective and practical way to assess the quality of their diet. A study [ 134 ] describes the development and validation of the athlete diet index (ADI). Accredited sports nutritionists in the current study determined that ADI is useful for quickly identifying athletes at risk or identifying dietary changes during exercise. The value of assessing the quality of diet and dietary habits, not just nutrient intake, along with the widespread use of electronic platforms in sports programs, opens up possibilities for this new electronic tool. However, while early results indicate that ADI is a less burdensome way of quickly assessing dietary quality and, therefore, may be beneficial for use on a broader population of athletes or as part of a team, it should not replace detailed dietary assessment or individual athlete guidance provided by sports nutrition specialists.

In addition, the development of valid and reliable questionnaires can provide a valid and reliable tool for assessing voluntary dietary restrictions on food choices, reasons for food refusal, and gastrointestinal symptoms among athletes and, consequently, to optimize their performance [ 135 , 136 ].

Despite a large number of recommendations and their availability, the question remains: How conscientiously are athletes ready to use them in practice? For example, in a study by Masson and Lamarche, it was shown that not all athletes involved in/-around endurance follow the carbohydrate dietary guidelines [ 137 ]. Another study highlighted the importance of training athletes in sports nutrition strategies, which requires an effective system for managing food and fluid needs to achieve their goals [ 84 ].

Therefore, current efforts require attention to improve the adaptability of the recommendations for athletes who require a specific training process. For example, there is a need to take cognizance of varying climatic conditions, type of training/competition, and individual characteristics. The development of dietary strategies with a personalized approach will help maximize training adaptability in the long term, potentially increasing performance in athletes.

7. Conclusions

This review highlights the factors that influence the eating behavior of athletes, the development of the market, providing services in this area, as well as the effectiveness of the recommendations developed. Health and weight control are important for athletes, but it is difficult to assess their effects on athletic performance. The condition of the athlete, the type of sport, the stage of the training period, and level of competition also play an important role in the choice of food.

The balance of macronutrients in the choice of food products requires further study in connection with the changing diet and quality of the athlete’s nutrition. These include non-homeostatic factors associated with the food environment, such as food marketing and restricted dietary practices that can suppress intrinsic signals associated with appetite and hunger.

Athletes follow special diets for a variety of reasons. GF, vegetarian, and lean diets are some of the most common diets adopted for health, ethical, religious, and industrial purposes. The prevalence of CD has increased dramatically, and GFD has become a popular approach to nutrition. A strict GFD for athletes with CD, WA, or GI will improve their health and may increase performance.

However, despite the many benefits of low FODMAP and GFD diets, these special diets are also associated with disturbed gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acid production [ 138 , 139 ], eating disorders, increased psychosocial anxiety, and decreased energy and nutrient intake [ 140 , 141 ].

Research into a new paradigm of immune health in athletes is focusing on tolerogenic nutritional supplements shown to reduce the risk of infection in athletes, such as probiotics, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Further research should demonstrate the benefits of tolerogenic supplementation in reducing infection in athletes without dulling training adaptation and without side effects [ 142 ].

Athletes train and compete in various settings, and a deeper understanding of this area can assist the practicing nutritionist with nutritional management and meal planning for athletes attending training facilities in various settings.

It is important to remember that food choices are dynamic, and their importance can vary with time, place, and changing situations in which athletes are choosing their food.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, K.A.M., M.S.K.; formal analysis, A.A.I., T.V.B.; investigation, K.A.M., A.T.K.; writing—original draft preparation, K.A.M., A.A.S. (Alexander A. Stepanov), A.L.K.; writing—review and editing, A.A.S. (Alexandra A. Sinitsyna), K.C.; project administration, A.L.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

This work was financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation within the framework of state support for the creation and development of World-Class Research Centers “Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare” No. 75-15-2020-913.

Data Availability Statement

Conflicts of interest.

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

man and woman working out

Emerging Topics in Sports Nutrition

Sports nutrition manufacturers can gain a competitive edge by staying on top of the latest research in the field of sports nutrition. Explore the topics researchers are focusing on right now—including gut microbiome, mental health, and more.

Highlights:

New topics in sports nutrition include:

  • The physiology of increasing muscle mass
  • The role of hydration in sports and exercise
  • How gut microbiota can impact performance and recovery 
  • Oxidative stress in athletes 
  • The relationship between nutrition and mental health 

Sports Nutrition Research Expanding

The field of sports nutrition is a dynamic space with research into key areas like muscle mass gain and hydration continuing to accelerate and brand-new focus areas emerging. These topics are of interest to sports nutrition companies as they provide insights into the science behind optimizing performance which can lead to new, cutting-edge products. This is especially important considering the post-COVID resurgence in exercise and growing consumer interest in products that can support fitness goals.

Muscle Mass Gain and Physiology

One central topic in sports nutrition research continues to be the physiology of improving muscle mass and strength. While protein is the most important in terms of dietary supplementation, other heavily researched ingredients include nitrogen oxides, nitrates, and creatine. Carnosine and beta-alanine are also gaining traction in muscle physiology research. 

woman drinking water

Research into hydration to optimize sports and exercise performance is also a key area. An array of factors can influence an individual’s hydration needs, ranging from physical environmental conditions to exercise intensity and duration. Since thirst does not track hydration needs well during exercise, researchers are focusing on aspects such as pre-workout hydration strategies and ways to self-assess hydration status.

Gut Microbiota

With research on the rise around the implications of gut microbiota on things like immunity and gastrointestinal health, it’s no surprise that sports nutrition researchers are also taking a closer look. Gut microbiota can harvest energy, produce bioactive metabolites, and influence the body’s physiology in several ways. Researchers are looking at the role of exercise in shaping gut microbiota composition, as well as the potential of finding an optimal health-associated gut microbiota that could improve performance and reduce recovery time. 

Oxidative Stress

Research efforts are also focused on achieving a deeper understanding of oxidative stress in athletes, including the role of supplementation in mitigating the effects of stress, which include inflammation and fatigue. Since exercise can increase the production of damaging free radicals, researchers are exploring oxidative stress marker levels associated with different types of exercise, as well as antioxidant supplements that might reduce these levels.

Mental Health

Researchers are just beginning to understand the complex relationship between nutrition and mental health. For example, it’s known that certain nutritional deficiencies can interfere with normal brain function, which can influence things like focus and mood. As health researchers learn more about how certain nutrients can improve mental health, nutrition for mental health is likely to become a new focus area among sports nutrition researchers as a way to support optimal performance in athletes.    

two men doing yoga

Science-Backed Ingredients for Sports Performance

With the science of sports nutrition evolving fast, it’s important that sports nutrition companies collaborate with trusted ingredient suppliers that keep up with the latest science, as well as consumer trends. As a leader in sports nutrition ingredients, Glanbia Nutritionals offers high-quality dairy and plant-based protein , bioactive , and custom nutrient premix solutions to meet every functional product and supplement need.

Contact us to learn more about our wide range of solutions in sports nutrition!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a functional beverage what is a functional beverage.

A functional beverage is a drink that provides a beneficial effect beyond basic nutrition. These health and wellness benefits can come from a wide range of bioactive ingredients —from adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha to MCTs for the keto diet to tryptophan for sleep support.

Some examples of functional beverages are energy drinks formulated with caffeine and B vitamins, sports drinks with added electrolytes and antioxidants, yogurt drinks that have probiotics, and beauty-from-within beverages containing collagen. The functional beverage market continues to grow as more people look for benefits like energy, relaxation, immune support , cognitive support, muscle building, and more.

What are the most important nutrients for athletes? What are the most important nutrients for athletes?

Athletes require all the essential macronutrients and micronutrients but often have higher demands for certain nutrients. These include high-quality protein for muscle building and recovery and any nutrients that are readily lost through perspiration, which include iron and electrolytes like potassium . 

B vitamins can also be very important due to their role in energy production in the body, while sufficient calcium and vitamin D are essential for athletes to maintain strong and healthy bones. Adequate hydration is also a must for athletes to support all of the body’s systems, making water another key nutrient.

Which nutrients improve sports performance? Which nutrients improve sports performance?

Many different nutrients support sports performance due to their roles in muscle building, endurance, or exercise recovery . High-quality protein is the most important nutrient for building, repairing, and maintaining muscle since it contains all the essential amino acids . One amino acid in particular, the branched-chain amino acid leucine , is known for activating the protein synthesis process.

Endurance athletes also need to consume adequate water and replenish their electrolytes , including potassium and magnesium , to prevent muscle cramps and fatigue. Like electrolytes, iron —which plays key roles in oxygen transport and energy metabolism—is also lost through perspiration. Iron requirements are often much higher for endurance athletes and those engaging in high-intensity exercise, making iron another important nutrient for optimal performance.

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Nutrition » 80 Nutrition Research Topics

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80 Nutrition Research Topics

FacebookXEmailWhatsAppRedditPinterestLinkedInIf you’re looking for captivating research topics to ignite your academic journey in nutrition, look no further. Welcome to our blog post, where we proudly present a comprehensive list of compelling research topics in nutrition, tailor-made for students at the undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral level. Nutrition, a vibrant field at the intersection of science and […]

nutrition research topics

If you’re looking for captivating research topics to ignite your academic journey in nutrition, look no further. Welcome to our blog post, where we proudly present a comprehensive list of compelling research topics in nutrition, tailor-made for students at the undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral level.

Nutrition, a vibrant field at the intersection of science and human health, offers a plethora of captivating subjects to explore. From investigating the impact of dietary patterns on chronic diseases to uncovering the role of nutritional interventions in promoting well-being, each topic promises to ignite your passion and curiosity. Usually, it is searched with food science as they are closely related fields that intersect in the study of food and its impact on human health.

Let this guide be your beacon as you embark on a rewarding academic exploration and discovery journey. So, nourish your curious spirit, and let the pursuit of knowledge in nutrition propel you to new heights of academic excellence and groundbreaking research. Let’s get started!

A List Of Potential Research Topics In Nutrition:

  • Nutritional approaches to managing food allergies and intolerances.
  • The role of nutrition in preventing and managing gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Nutrition and cancer: investigating dietary factors in cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Nutritional approaches to managing type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of school-based nutrition education programs in the UK.
  • The effect of plant-based diets on cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Nutritional interventions for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares.
  • Assessing the impact of nutrition policies on public health outcomes.
  • Nutrition and eye health: investigating dietary factors in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
  • Nutritional interventions for managing gastrointestinal disorders: a critical review of clinical trials.
  • Assessing the mental health impact of COVID-19 on eating behaviour and nutritional choices.
  • Nutrition and immune function: understanding the connection and implications for disease resistance.
  • Nutritional interventions for managing metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
  • Assessing the impact of plant-based diets on cardiovascular health and disease prevention.
  • The effect of COVID-19 on maternal and child nutrition: implications for future generations.
  • Analyzing the impact of maternal nutrition on infant development and health outcomes.
  • Evaluating the nutritional content and health benefits of edible insects.
  • The effect of plant-based diets on gut microbial metabolites and health outcomes.
  • The impact of COVID-19 on food purchasing behaviour and nutrition in the UK.
  • The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dietary habits and nutritional status: a longitudinal study.
  • Nutrition and respiratory health: investigating dietary factors in asthma management.
  • The role of nutrition in promoting healthy ageing: a study in the UK elderly population.
  • Assessing the nutritional status and dietary intake of ethnic minority groups in the UK.
  • Nutrition and ageing: investigating dietary strategies for healthy ageing.
  • Assessing the impact of Brexit on food systems and nutrition in the UK.
  • A comprehensive review of dietary approaches for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.
  • Nutrition and neurological disorders: investigating the link between diet and brain health.
  • The role of nutrition in mental health: a focus on anxiety and depression.
  • Analyzing the impact of nutrition labelling in restaurants on consumer choices.
  • A systematic review of the effectiveness of nutrition education interventions on childhood obesity.
  • Nutrition and long Covid syndrome: investigating dietary approaches for symptom management.
  • Nutritional interventions for improving cognitive function in ageing adults: a systematic review.
  • Evaluating the effect of UK food labelling regulations on consumer choices and dietary behaviour.
  • Nutrition and hormonal health: understanding the interplay and its implications.
  • Nutrition policies and interventions for addressing childhood obesity in the UK.
  • The role of nutrition in immune support and disease prevention.
  • The effect of plant-based diets on gut health and microbiota diversity.
  • Assessing the nutritional status of vegetarian and vegan populations.
  • Analyzing the effect of nutrition education on childhood obesity prevention.
  • Assessing the nutritional quality of hospital meals and their impact on patient health.
  • The impact of ultra-processed foods on health outcomes: a comprehensive review of current evidence.
  • The role of nutrition in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.
  • Nutritional approaches to managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
  • Nutrition education and behavioural change: assessing the effectiveness of interventions.
  • Nutritional strategies for enhancing fertility and reproductive health.
  • Nutrition and bone health: investigating the relationship and strategies for osteoporosis prevention.
  • Nutritional interventions for improving cognitive function and mental well-being.
  • A review of the impact of plant-based diets on cardiovascular health and risk factors.
  • The role of gut microbiota in human health: exploring the impact of diet on microbial composition and function.
  • Analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on nutrition services and food assistance programs.
  • The impact of nutrition on skin health and dermatological conditions.
  • A systematic review of nutritional interventions for managing malnutrition in hospitalized patients.
  • Nutrition and liver health: investigating the link between diet and hepatic diseases.
  • Nutrition interventions for enhancing immune function and resilience post-covid-19 recovery.
  • Nutritional interventions for managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
  • Assessing vulnerable populations’ nutritional status and dietary intake: a case study of elderly adults.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of school nutrition education programs for promoting healthy eating habits.
  • A review of nutritional strategies for supporting immune function and health in the elderly.
  • A comprehensive review of dietary patterns and cancer risk: current evidence and future directions.
  • Analyzing the nutritional content and health implications of ultra-processed foods in the UK diet.
  • Evaluating the effect of COVID-19-related lockdowns on food security and nutritional health.
  • Evaluating the efficacy of personalized nutrition interventions based on genetic and lifestyle factors.
  • Nutrition and food insecurity in the UK: exploring challenges and solutions.
  • Nutrition and sleep: investigating the relationship and its implications for health and well-being.
  • The role of nutrition in preventing and managing non-communicable diseases in the UK.
  • Evaluating the nutritional content and health benefits of indigenous food crops.
  • Nutritional interventions for managing gestational diabetes and optimizing maternal-fetal health.
  • Nutrigenomics: unravelling the interactions between genetic variations and dietary responses.
  • Nutrition and rheumatological disorders: investigating dietary factors in disease management.
  • Assessing the nutritional quality of school lunch programs and their impact on children’s health.
  • Nutritional strategies for enhancing recovery and performance in endurance athletes: a meta-analysis.
  • Analyzing the effect of dietary patterns on weight management and obesity prevention.
  • The impact of nutrition on the gut-brain axis and mental health.
  • The role of nutrition education and health communication in mitigating COVID-19 misinformation.
  • Nutritional interventions for managing pediatric food allergies.
  • Evaluating the nutritional content and health benefits of seafood.
  • Analyzing the effect of probiotics and prebiotics on gut health and immune function.
  • The role of nutrition in bone and joint health: a focus on osteoarthritis.
  • Nutritional approaches to managing inflammatory skin conditions.
  • Analyzing the effect of nutrition labelling in retail stores on consumer choices.
  • Nutritional strategies for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in vulnerable populations post-covid-19.
  • The role of nutrition in gut health and microbiota composition: a meta-analytic review.
  • Nutritional interventions for promoting respiratory health in the post-COVID-19 era.
  • Nutritional strategies for managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
  • Nutrition and autoimmune diseases: investigating dietary factors in disease progression.
  • The role of nutritional supplements in enhancing athletic performance and recovery.
  • Analyzing the impact of food fortification programs on micronutrient deficiencies.
  • The impact of nutrition labelling and front-of-pack symbols on consumer food choices.
  • Evaluating the nutritional content and health benefits of alternative protein sources.
  • Investigating the effects of intermittent fasting on metabolic health and longevity.

In conclusion, this diverse list of nutrition research topics offers many opportunities for students pursuing dissertations at various degree levels. Whether you are an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral candidate, the field of nutrition presents a vast landscape of captivating subjects to explore. From investigating the impact of dietary patterns on chronic diseases to evaluating the role of nutrition in mental health , each topic promises to fuel your academic curiosity and drive. So, seize the opportunity to contribute to the ever-evolving field of nutrition and take your passion for health and wellness to new heights. Happy researching!

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10 Sports Nutrition Abstracts

By Shira Rossiter on 05-Aug-2021 17:45:39

10 sports nutrition abstracts | IFIS Publishing

With the 2021 Olympics well underway, and the Paralympics coming up, it’s both fascinating and humbling to see the physical peak humans can reach. Many factors impact on whether an athlete is at the top of their game, and fighting fit. Alongside their training, every professional athlete needs to follow a bespoke diet. In respect of their fitness goals and individual needs, their bespoke diets are founded on evidence from studies in sports nutrition.

One of many subjects covered, FSTA features over 4,600 records directly related to sports nutrition.

dissertation ideas for sports nutrition

Culture, tradition, physiological goals, activity types and individual needs impact the diet each athlete follows. For instance, many Colombian cyclists rely on guava jelly, New Zealand athletes follow Maori traditions and Norwegian athletes tuck into 'brown cheese' according the the International Olympic Committee . Meanwhile, some athletes pack on carbohydrates and protein, such as strongman Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson , who ingests around 12,000 calories a day .

"The amount, composition and timing of food intake can profoundly affect sports performance" - IOC Consensus Conference on Nutrition and Sports Performance

Here are 10 key abstracts on around sports science and nutrition, hand-picked by our Content team.

Relative validity and reliability of a novel diet quality assessment tool for athletes: the Athlete Diet Index.

By: Capling, L.; Gifford, J. A.; Beck, K. L.; Flood, V. M.; Halar, F.; Slater, G. J.; O'Connor, H. T.

Published: 2021

Document Type: Journal Article

Abstract: Diet quality indices are a practical, cost-effective method to evaluate dietary patterns, yet few have investigated diet quality in athletes. This study describes the relative validity and reliability of the recently developed Athlete Diet Index (ADI). Participants completed the electronic ADI on two occasions, 2 weeks apart, followed by a 4-d estimated food record (4-dFR). Relative validity was evaluated by directly comparing mean scores of the two administrations (mAdm) against scores derived from 4-dFR using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman (B-A) plots. Construct validity was investigated by comparing mAdm scores and 4-dFR-derived nutrient intakes using Spearman's coefficient and independent t test. Test-retest reliability was assessed using paired t test, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and B-A plots. Sixty-eight elite athletes (18.8 (sd 4.2) years) from an Australian sporting institute completed the ADI on both occasions. Mean score was 84.1 (sd 15.2; range 42.5-114.0). The ADI had good reliability (ICC=0.80, 95% CI 0.69, 0.87; P< 0.001), and B-A plots (mean 1.9; level of agreement-17.8, 21.7) showed no indication of systematic bias (y=4.57-0.03*x) (95% CI-0.2, 0.1; P=0.70). Relative validity was evaluated in fifty athletes who completed all study phases. Comparison of mAdm scores with 4-dFR-derived scores was moderate (rs 0.69; P< 0.001) with no systematic bias between methods of measurement (y=6.90-0.04*x) (95% CI-0.3,0.2; P=0.73). Higher scores were associated with higher absolute nutrient intake consistent with a healthy dietary pattern. The ADI is a reliable tool with moderate validity, demonstrating its potential for application to investigate the diet quality of athletes. © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society.

The effectiveness of nutrition education programmes on improving dietary intake in athletes: a systematic review.

By: Boidin, A.; Tam, R.; Mitchell, L.; Cox, G. R.; O'Connor, H.

Document Type: Review

Abstract: Nutrition education programmes for athletes aim to enhance nutrition knowledge and more importantly support positive dietary change to enhance performance, health and well-being. This systematic review assessed changes in the dietary intakes of athletes in response to nutrition education programmes. A search was conducted which included studies providing quantitative dietary intake assessment of athletes of any calibre aged between 12 and 65 years in response to a nutrition education programme. Standardised differences (effect sizes) were calculated (when possible) for each dietary parameter. The search yielded 6285 papers with twenty-two studies (974 participants (71.9% female)) eligible for inclusion. Studies described athletes competing at high school (n 3) through to college level or higher (n 19). Study designs were either single arm with an intervention-only group (twelve studies; n 241) or double arm including an intervention and control group (ten studies; n 689). No control groups received an alternative or "sham" intervention. Face-to-face lectures (9/22) and individual nutrition counselling (6/22) were the most common education interventions. Non-weighed, 3-d diet records (10/22) were the most frequently utilised dietary assessment method. Although 14/22 studies (n 5 single and n 9 double) reported significant change in at least one nutrition parameter, dietary changes were inconsistent. Poor study quality and heterogeneity of methods prohibit firm conclusions regarding overall intervention success or superior types of educational modalities. Of note, carbohydrate intakes "post-intervention" when assessed often failed to meet recommended guidelines (12/17 studies). Given the substantial investment made in nutrition education interventions with athletes, there is a need for well-designed and rigorous research to inform future best practice. © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society.

We're dedicated to helping researchers hone their skills and ace their studies.  hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(97439, 'fd4590d5-dee0-46e9-bf9f-0986b3b03fc1', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"});

The new challenge of sports nutrition: accepting insect food as dietary supplements in professional athletes.

By: Placentino, U.; Sogari, G.; Viscecchia, R.; Devitiis, B. de; Monacis, L.

Abstract: Background. The dietary supplements market is growing, and their use is increasing among professional athletes. Recently, several new protein supplements have been placed in the marketplace, including energy bars enriched with insect flour. Edible insects, which are rich in protein content, have been promoted as the food of the future and athletes could be a reference sample for their continued emphasis on higher protein demand. The present study investigated the potential motivations to accept an energy protein bar with cricket flour, among a group of selected Italian professional athletes. A second aim was also to measure how an information treatment about the benefits of edible insects would have impact on acceptance. Methods. 61 Italian professional athletes (27 females) completed a structured questionnaire regarding supplements and eating habits, food neophobia, nutrition knowledge, willingness to taste edible insects and the associated factors. A question about sports endorsement was also posed at the end of the survey. Results. All subjects consumed supplements, generally recommended by medical personnel, even though their general knowledge of nutrition was poor (47.8%). Our main results shown that on a seven-point Likert scale, the protein content (5.74 1.01) and the curiosity about texture (5.24 0.98) were the main drivers to taste the cricket energy bar; whereas the feeling of disgust (5.58 1.08) justified the rejection of tasting insects. In addition, the level of food neophobia increases with age (p< 0.05) and reduces willingness to endorse the cricket bar (p< 0.05). Male athletes (4.47 1.69) were more likely to endorse the product than females (3.3 1.49). An increase in willingness to taste was observed after the information treatment (z = 4.16, p< 0.001). Even though the population under investigation is unique, it is important to mention that this study involves a relatively small and convenience sample, and therefore generalizability of the results should be done with caution. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

BLOG POST Edible insects: Getting over the ‘yuck’ factor

Edible insects | IFIS Publishing

Study on preparation of composite sports beverage made with Codonopsis pilosula and wolfberry and its antioxidant.

By: Jing-tao Du; Zhen Zheng; Jun Chen; Xian-ming Yan; Xiao-feng Jiang; Jing-wu Liu

Abstract: A new formula of composite beverage was developed with Codonopsis pilosula and wolfberry as major raw materials with addition of saccharose, citric acid, and xanthan gum. The ratio between each content was optimized using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology based on the evaluation index of sensory assessments. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity of the beverage was evaluated in vitro by measuring removal rates of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion free radicals, and DPPH free radicals. The results suggested that the optimal formula had a volume ratio of 1:2 between polysaccharide extracts of Codonopsis pilosula and wolfberry (both concentrations were 40%). Also, its saccharose content was 6%, and citric acid content was 0.5%, and xanthan gum content was 0.3% with respect to polysaccharide mixture. The sensory evaluation score of the beverage was 86.53. The beverage that has the optimal formula presented a brown color with high transparency and had neutral sourness and sweetness, without obvious precipitation or stratification when was brought to a standstill. Moreover, the beverage had a special taste that maintained the natural flavor of Codonopsis pilosula and wolfberry. The radical removal rates of the beverage against hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion free radicals and DPPH free radicals were 73.75%, 69.48% and 70.55%, respectively. Therefore, the composite sports beverage was demonstrated to have a preferable antioxidant activity in vitro.

Risk of low energy availability in elite male athletes with spinal cord injury.

By: Glasgow, S.; Pritchett, K.; Stellingwerff, T.; Broad, E.; Pritchett, R.; Ogan, D.

Abstract: Recent research examining male able-bodied athletes has suggested that males are at risk for low energy availability (LEA); however, there is a paucity of research pertaining to prevalence amongst male athletes with an impairment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the risk of LEA and prevalence of symptoms related to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), including risk of disordered eating, hormonal profiles, and bone mineral density (BMD) scans, in male wheelchair para athletes. Collegiate- and national-level male athletes (n = 9) with spinal cord injury (SCI) completed 7-day concurrent diet and training logs, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans, and hormonal blood spot testing. Zero (0) athletes were considered "at-risk" for LEA via EDE-Q score. Useable data to calculate energy availability (EA) was only available for 4 athletes, none of which presented with LEA (using a threshold of ≤ 25 kcal.kg FFM-1.day-1). Testosterone was low in 100% of athletes (mean: 7.9 2.3 nmol/L). 25% of subjects had clinically low hip Z-scores (Z-score < -2), and 63% of subjects were at an increased risk for fracture (Z-score < -1). Based on the EDE-Q and calculated EA, the risk for LEA appears to be low; however, the risk for LEA appears to be high based on DXA scans and hormonal profiles. These results are consistent with literature examining LEA in able-bodied athletes, which shows calculated EA to be a poor field assessment tool for LEA. These results also underscore the need for additional research to establish para athlete-specific thresholds for LEA, assessments for disordered eating, and normal clinical hormone ranges.

Pemmican, an endurance food: past and present.

By: Ngapo, T. M.; Champagne, C.; Chilian, C.; Dugan, M. E. R.; Gariepy, S.; Vahmani, P.; Bilodeau, P.

Abstract: Pemmican is a meat product principally comprised of dried meat and fat that has served as a source of sustenance in cold, harsh climates and/or a means of preservation of meat for some Indigenous peoples, fur traders, polar explorers, military and police. Pemmican is acclaimed for its high nutrient density and long shelf life. However, for a meat product that has historically played a significant role and is often cited as the ultimate endurance food, there is a surprising paucity of scientific literature. The present study aims to review the literature to document the history of pemmican, its preparation, nutritional evaluation and additional use in the diet of animals. In view of food security and crisis situations in the world today, meat science may have a role to play in reviving, reformulating and potentially developing new processing strategies for a product like pemmican as a culturally appropriate food, with extended use as emergency provisions or for endurance athletes. All rights reserved, Elsevier.

Can taste be ergogenic?

By: Best, R.; McDonald, K.; Hurst, P.; Pickering, C.

Abstract: Taste is a homeostatic function that conveys valuable information, such as energy density, readiness to eat, or toxicity of foodstuffs. Taste is not limited to the oral cavity but affects multiple physiological systems. In this review, we outline the ergogenic potential of substances that impart bitter, sweet, hot and cold tastes administered prior to and during exercise performance and whether the ergogenic benefits of taste are attributable to the placebo effect. Carbohydrate mouth rinsing seemingly improves endurance performance, along with a potentially ergogenic effect of oral exposure to both bitter tastants and caffeine although subsequent ingestion of bitter mouth rinses is likely required to enhance performance. Hot and cold tastes may prove beneficial in circumstances where athletes' thermal state may be challenged. Efficacy is not limited to taste, but extends to the stimulation of targeted receptors in the oral cavity and throughout the digestive tract, relaying signals pertaining to energy availability and temperature to appropriate neural centres. Dose, frequency and timing of tastant application likely require personalisation to be most effective, and can be enhanced or confounded by factors that relate to the placebo effect, highlighting taste as a critical factor in designing and administering applied sports science interventions. ©Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020.

BLOG POST A Matter of Taste – The Neuropsychology of Flavour Perception

Parmesan | IFIS Publishing

Use of nutritional supplements by elite Japanese track and field athletes.

By: Tabata, S.; Yamasawa, F.; Torii, S.; Manabe, T.; Kamada, H.; Namba, A.; Kato, J.; Kaneko, H.; Tahara, K.; Tsukahara, Y.; Sato, K

Published: 2020

Abstract: Background. While scientific evidence supports the efficacy of only limited nutritional supplements (NS) on sports performance, the use of NS is widespread in athletes. Given the serious issues of health damage or unintended Anti-Doping Rule Violations due to ingestion of contaminated NS in sports, accurately understanding NS practices by athletes is crucial. This study therefore elucidated the use of NS by elite Japanese track and field (TF) athletes. Methods. The subjects were 574 Japanese TF athletes, including 275 junior athletes (under 20 years) and 299 senior athletes, who participated in international competitions from 2013 to 2018. Data on NS use were collected through pre-participation medical forms obtained from all entrants before their participation in competitions. NS users were requested to report the product names and primary components of all NS they were taking. Results. The overall prevalence of NS use was 63.9%. The mean number of NS products used per athlete was 1.4. The prevalence was significantly higher in women (69.2%) than in men (59.6%) (p = 0.018) and significantly higher in senior athletes (68.9%) than in junior athletes (58.9%) (p = 0.012). The prevalence of NS use was higher in long-distance runners (75.8%) and lower in jumpers (52.3%) and throwers (49.2%) than other disciplines (p< 0.001). The most prevalent components were amino acids (49.3%), followed by vitamins (48.3%), minerals (22.8%), and protein (17.8%). Conclusions. Approximately two-thirds of elite Japanese TF athletes reported the use of NS, and NS practices varied by gender, age, and discipline. © The Author(s). 2020.

Psychological distress and problem gambling in elite athletes during COVID-19 restrictions-a web survey in top leagues of three sports during the pandemic.

By: Hakansson, A.; Jonsson, C.; Kentta, G.

Abstract: COVID-19 and lockdown strategies may affect mental health and addictive behavior differently in the population, and elite athletes are among the professions clearly affected by the pandemic. This study in top elite athletes aimed to study current perceived psychological influence from COVID-19 and symptoms of depression, anxiety and changes in alcohol drinking, gambling behavior and problem gambling in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown. This web survey included athletes in top leagues of soccer, ice hockey and handball in Sweden (N=327,62% men). A total of 66% and 51% were worried about the future of their sport or about their own future in sports, respectively. Feeling worse psychologically during the pandemic was common (72% of women, 40% of men, p< 0.001); depression criteria were endorsed by 19% of women and three percent of men (p< 0.001); anxiety criteria by 20% of women and five percent of men (p< 0.001). Reporting increased gambling during the pandemic was associated with gambling problem severity. Moderate-risk or problem gambling was seen in 10% of men and none of the women (p< 0.001). Depression and anxiety were associated with feeling worse during the COVID-19 pandemic and with concern over one's own sports future. In conclusion, COVID-19-related distress is common in elite athletes and associated with mental health symptoms. Gambling increase during the pandemic was rare, but related to gambling problems, which were common in male athletes. The calls for increased focus on COVID-19-related concerns in athletes and on problem gambling in male athletes. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Energy availability in male and female elite wheelchair athletes over seven consecutive training days.

By: Egger, T.; Flueck, J. L.

Abstract: Background. Low energy availability (LEA) Is a major problem as athletes often restrict their energy intake. It has been shown that LEA occurs often in female and endurance athletes and in athletes from weight-sensitive or aesthetic sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate energy availability (EA) in elite wheelchair athletes. Methods. Fourteen elite wheelchair athletes (8 males; 6 females) participated. Data were collected using a weighed seven-day food and training diary to estimate energy intake and exercise energy expenditure. Resting energy expenditure and body composition were measured, whereas energy balance (EB) was calculated. Results. Measured over 7 days, EA was significantly different (36.16.7 kcal kg-1 FFM day-1) in male compared to female (25.17.1 kcal kg-1 FFM day-1) athletes (p< 0.001). From all analyzed days, LEA occurred in 73% of the days in female athletes and in 30% of the days in male athletes. EB was positive in male athletes (+169.1304.5 kcal) and negative (-288.9304.8 kcal) in female athletes. Conclusions. A higher prevalence of LEA was found in female compared to male athletes. A higher energy intake would be recommended to meet energy needs and to maximize training adaptation. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

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Sports Nutrition Student Wins Dissertation Of The Year

Sports and Exercise Nutrition graduate Wee Lun Foo has won the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences ( BASES ) Undergraduate Dissertation of the Year Award 2020 for his research, which looked at the effect of carbohydrate-caffeine mouth rinsing on the performance of amateur footballers. 

dissertation ideas for sports nutrition

Wee Lun, who graduated last year, was in the third and final year of his degree when he carried out his research and submitted his paper. He was among the first group of students to enrol on the course, which has only been running for three years, and is the first BCU student to win the hotly-contested competition.

The undergraduate dissertation award forms part of a suite of prizes that BASES offers to recognise and encourage excellence in sport and exercise sciences. Submissions must be on new and emerging areas of study, and entries are assessed on their scientific merit, methodological rigour and clarity of presentation.

Judges selected Wee Lun’s paper as their winning entry based on the quality of his research, which explored how individuals respond to mouth rinsing carbohydrate, caffeine, or the two combined in simulated football match play. This is a strategy commonly employed at the very top of the game, and could provide the small gains required to win towards the end of matches.

Having beaten entrants from across the country to land the prize, Wee Lun has been rewarded with an all-expenses-paid trip to present his paper to his peers at the 2021 BASES student conference, which is due to take place in April this year.

Wee Lun said: “I’m delighted to have won this award. It’s been great to have my work recognised nationally by professional experts in the field.

“I’m also grateful for the guidance and advice I received throughout my time at university from my supervisors Lewis Gough and Matthew Cole. They’re hugely knowledgeable but also very supportive, and their encouragement gave me the confidence to enter the competition.”

Dr Lewis Gough, lecturer in sports exercise, physiology and nutrition at the University, said of his former student’s success: “We’re immensely proud of Wee Lun’s achievement and congratulate him on winning what is a very prestigious award for those of us who work and study within the field of exercise and nutrition. His dissertation is an excellent piece of research and the BASES award is testament to the quality of his work.   

“Wee Lun typifies what we encourage our students to be – inquisitive, hard-working and ambitious – and we’re pleased to have played a part in his success. His win is especially satisfying for us as he is among the first graduates from a degree course that we’ve only recently introduced.”

dissertation ideas for sports nutrition

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Coming up with winning dissertation topic ideas in sport science.

If you are pursuing a degree or career in sports science, you should choose interesting topic when it comes to the time of writing dissertation. You need not spend a lot of time trying to come up with ideas as to the topic you need to choose.

Here below are some ideas that can help you come up with interesting topics.

  • The best physiology for football players

In this topic, you can research widely on muscle strength development and its impact on the success of footballers. Is there need for special training, to help players improve the strength of their muscles?

  • Sportsmen and the required vitamins:

In this topic, you can analyze the recommended vitamins that athletes can take as nutritional supplements in order to increase their performance. Ensure that you research to find out whether or not supplements can have adverse effects on the performance of sportsmen and women if they are not taken as advised.

  • The relationship between aging and metabolism:

Can anti-aging drugs help prevent the symptoms related to metabolism among the aging sportsmen? Try to find out how sportsmen can deal with aging symptoms, without interfering with the sporting abilities of their bodies.

  • Strength training:

In this topic, you can analyze how bands can be used during strength training in order to ensure that the muscles grow stronger. There are many other benefits of bands. Research about them and come up with detailed information that will be of help to the readers and sports enthusiasts.

  • Relationship between training and temperature:

In this topic, you can investigate how temperature affects muscle reactions by athletes during training sessions. For example, you can compare the African and European athletes.

  • Muscle strength and its impact on swimming ability

In this research, you can analyse the development of muscles through swimming. Also, evaluate the positive effects that swimming brings about to swimmers and other athletes.

  • Muscle strength and gender:

In this research work, you can compare the strength of male and female athletes. Identify the differences in growth of muscles among athletes and how this affects their sporting abilities.

  • What is the best nutrition for sportsmen?

In this topic, you can research on the special meals and diets that can be taken before games or other sporting activities, in order to help sportsmen and women during various sporting activities.

  • What is the most recommended vegetarian athlete’s diet?

In this research, you will discover that there are many choices of diets that sportsmen can take, in order to increase their potential of performance.

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dissertation ideas for sports nutrition

53 Sports Dissertation Topics and examples in 2023

Sports dissertation topics in domains have been found vital in the present-day situation. There is likewise a particular structure in the sports dissertation designs. There should be a specific combative tone in the introduction. Accurate information about the space of sports additionally requires concentrated research. This service satisfies the entire customer base to have a […]

Sports Dissertation Topics

Sports dissertation topics in domains have been found vital in the present-day situation. There is likewise a particular structure in the sports dissertation designs . There should be a specific combative tone in the introduction. Accurate information about the space of sports additionally requires concentrated research.

This service satisfies the entire customer base to have a total and organized sports dissertation . The most striking point of a sports dissertation is that there is a mix of the severe profundity of research alongside an adventurous sense. This blend requires the intervention of expert scientists and master journalists.

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Best Sports Dissertation Topics for college students

Find below some best ideas and examples for Sports Dissertation Topics:

  • Radio-Frequency Identification Sports Wearable Development
  • How Psychological Interventions and Skills can Improve Performance in Athlete’s sports
  • A Study of 18-24 Year Old-Males’ Engagement and Interactions with Sports Betting Advertising
  • Injury Experiences and Psychological Responses of Athletes as a result of Sports Injuries
  • Sports Statistical System for the English Premier-League
  • Sports Impact of UEFA-Prize Money on Football Clubs: Celtic Case Study
  • Effects of Re-Warming Up at Half-Time on Gaelic Footballers
  • Relationship Between Personality Type and Sports Performance
  • Effects of Personality Type on Sports Performance and Motivation
  • An Econometric-Evaluation of Racial Biases in the Premier-League Sport.
  • The impact of social media on the sports industry
  • The role of sponsorship in professional sports
  • The psychological effects of sports on athletes
  • The evolution of sport marketing strategies
  • The influence of sports on the development of national identity
  • The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports
  • The business of professional sports leagues
  • The impact of technology on the sports industry
  • The sociology of sports fandom
  • The impact of sports on physical health and fitness
  • The history of sports medicine
  • The economic impact of major sporting events
  • The role of sports in promoting social change
  • The influence of sports on gender and sexuality
  • The impact of sports on mental health and well-being
  • The role of sports in the development of character and leadership skills
  • The impact of sports on education and academic achievement
  • The cultural significance of sports in different countries
  • The ethical issues surrounding the business of sports
  • The use of data analytics in sports performance and coaching
  • The role of sports in promoting international relations and diplomacy
  • The impact of sports on politics and government
  • The role of sports in building community and fostering social cohesion
  • The use of sports as a tool for promoting peace and conflict resolution
  • The impact of sports on the environment and sustainability
  • The role of sports in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment
  • The use of sports as a means of promoting social inclusion and diversity
  • The impact of sports on the media and entertainment industry
  • The role of sports in the development of urban and rural communities
  • The use of sports as a means of promoting economic development
  • The impact of sports on the fashion industry
  • The role of sports in promoting religious and cultural tolerance
  • The impact of sports on the travel and tourism industry
  • The use of sports as a means of promoting cultural exchange and understanding
  • The role of sports in promoting social justice and human rights
  • The impact of sports on the healthcare industry
  • The role of sports in promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding
  • The impact of sports on the pharmaceutical industry
  • The use of sports as a means of promoting cross-cultural communication and collaboration
  • The role of sports in promoting social entrepreneurship and innovation
  • The impact of sports on the art and creative industries
  • The use of sports as a means of promoting personal and professional growth and development
  • The role of sports in promoting intergenerational exchange and understanding.

Above is the best list of research titles in sports if you are still searching for some more unique topics, fill out the form below and get sports dissertation topics brief from experts.

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  1. (PDF) A Study on the Assessment of Nutritional Knowledge and Attitudes

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COMMENTS

  1. Sports Dissertation Research Topics

    Sports Dissertation Topics. Topic 1: Physical Exercise: A Tool to Develop the Physical Health of Children. Topic 2: The Impact of Video Games upon Outdoor Games. Topic 3: Chess: A Game to Enhance Intelligence Level. Topic 4: Yoga and Meditation: The new Dimensions in Sports.

  2. 20 Great Research Ideas For Your Dissertation On Sports

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  3. Sports Dissertation Topics for FREE

    Sports Dissertation Topics - over 40 free, excellent Master & Bachelor dissertation topics will help you get started with your proposal or dissertation. ... Many nutrition dissertations tend to focus on various diets, supplements or the impact of nutrition and training and the outcome this has for an athlete. Studies can take the form of ...

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    Choose one of the fascinating sports dissertation topics and start producing your paper. Gain a degree in sports and glittering career is guaranteed! We gathered 100 topic ideas for dissertations, that will surely impress your professor. ... Direct connection between sport and nutrition. Conducting thorough research on the balanced diet for ...

  5. 248 Nutrition Research Topics

    Sports Nutrition Topics for Research. These are some best sports nutrition topics for research that you can start with. You can use them for your homework, assignment, thesis, or dissertation. How different food varieties help athletes. The role of carbohydrates in the mental development of athletes. Explain the water cycle in an athlete's diet.

  6. Assessment of Sport Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Practices, and Sources

    1. Introduction. A well-chosen diet plan is critical for optimizing sport performance and the promotion of beneficial training adaptations [].Compared to a non-athletic population, athletes require greater amounts of energy, fluids, and macronutrients (i.e., carbohydrate, protein and fat) in order to sustain vigorous training and recovery, and to support physiological functions outside of the ...

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    Sports Nutrition Dissertation Topics - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site.

  8. Exercise and Sport Science Theses and Dissertations

    Theses/Dissertations from 2017 PDF. The Effects Of Depth Jump Implementation Of Sprint Performance In Collegiate And Club Sport Athletes, Ryan Bean. PDF. The Effects Of Caffeine Supplementation When Manipulating The Time Of Ingestion Prior To Simulated Rugby Union Activity, Zachary William Bell. PDF

  9. Research and application of current topics in sports nutrition

    The increased focus on fitness and subsequent research in the exercise field has expanded the role of nutrition as it relates to sports medicine. A literature review and application are presented for the anatomical, physiological, and biochemical mechanisms of caffeine in endurance events; iron status and physical performance; regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance during exercise; and ...

  10. PDF An Investigation Into the Nutritional Habits of Academy Players at A

    Morton, who truly first ignited my passion for sports nutrition in a third-year undergraduate lecture. James, you have had a profound influence on my research philosophy and applied ... This thesis aimed to investigate habits and explore experiences of dietary intake methods in an English Premier League youth academy. Study one (Chapter 4 ...

  11. Frontiers in Nutrition

    2,725 views. 2 articles. Research on nutrition and how it applies to the wellbeing of the active community - from elite athletes to physically frail patient groups.

  12. Structure and trends of international sport nutrition research between

    The tool kits of bibliometrics and science mapping provide a standard methodology to map the knowledge base of specific fields of science. The aim of the present research is the analysis of the recent international trends of sport nutrition science, as well as the primary identification of the research topics and results of sport nutrition science via enhanced bibliometric methods for the 2000 ...

  13. 80 Sport Science Research Topics

    A list of research topics on Sport Science for undergraduate, master, and doctoral students to write dissertations. 44-20-8133-2020. [email protected]; Toggle navigation Dissertation-Help.Uk. Topic Help; Proposal Help; ... Investigating the role of sports nutrition in promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength gains in resistance ...

  14. Sports Nutrition: Diets, Selection Factors, Recommendations

    Among athletes, nutrition plays an important role since the regimen and composition of the diet are associated with success in sports [23,24].Concerns about weight and body shape strongly influence food choices for the general population [] and have a similar effect on athletes, where attempts to achieve their goals are associated with external data on physique, weight, and performance [].

  15. Full article: ISSN exercise & sport nutrition review: research

    Research has clearly identified carbohydrate is an ergogenic aid that can prolong exercise [ 3 ]. Additionally, ingesting a small amount of carbohydrate and protein 30-60 minutes prior to exercise and use of sports drinks during exercise can increase carbohydrate availability and improve exercise performance.

  16. Emerging Topics in Sports Nutrition

    Muscle Mass Gain and Physiology. One central topic in sports nutrition research continues to be the physiology of improving muscle mass and strength. While protein is the most important in terms of dietary supplementation, other heavily researched ingredients include nitrogen oxides, nitrates, and creatine. Carnosine and beta-alanine are also ...

  17. 80 Nutrition Research Topics

    A well-researched list of research topics in nutrition for undergraduate, master's and doctoral students to write their dissertations. 44-20-8133-2020. ... Order Nutrition Dissertation Now! External Links: Download The Nutrition Dissertation Sample For Your Perusal; Research Topic Help Service. Undergrad: £30. Masters: £45.

  18. 10 Sports Nutrition Abstracts

    10 Sports Nutrition Abstracts. By Shira Rossiter on 05-Aug-2021 17:45:39. With the 2021 Olympics well underway, and the Paralympics coming up, it's both fascinating and humbling to see the physical peak humans can reach. Many factors impact on whether an athlete is at the top of their game, and fighting fit.

  19. Sports Dissertation Topics

    Example sports and exercise physiology dissertation topic 3: School sports as a percentage of daily exercise: A comparative case-study of two towns in Wales. Examining the perceived linkage between deprivation and exercise, this dissertation is focused upon two schools located in distinct socio-economic environments.

  20. Sports Nutrition Student Wins Dissertation Of The Year

    Sports and Exercise Nutrition graduate Wee Lun Foo has won the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Undergraduate Dissertation of the Year Award 2020 for his research, which looked at the effect of carbohydrate-caffeine mouth rinsing on the performance of amateur footballers.Wee Lun, who graduated last year, was in the third and final year of his degree when he carried out his ...

  21. Choosing Sports Science Dissertation Topics: Tips & Examples

    Coming Up With Winning Dissertation Topic Ideas In Sport Science . If you are pursuing a degree or career in sports science, you should choose interesting topic when it comes to the time of writing dissertation. You need not spend a lot of time trying to come up with ideas as to the topic you need to choose.

  22. Best 53 Sports Dissertation Topics and examples in 2023

    Find below some best ideas and examples for Sports Dissertation Topics: Radio-Frequency Identification Sports Wearable Development. How Psychological Interventions and Skills can Improve Performance in Athlete's sports. A Study of 18-24 Year Old-Males' Engagement and Interactions with Sports Betting Advertising.

  23. Sport Nutrition Dissertation Ideas

    Sport Nutrition Dissertation Ideas - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site.