Sports Nutrition for Adolescent Athletes: Balancing Growth and Performance

Abstract

This study explores the role of sports nutrition in supporting the growth and performance of adolescent athletes aged 13–18. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage that requires adequate nutritional support to meet the dual demands of physical growth and athletic training. The purpose of this research was to assess nutrition knowledge, dietary practices, and their relationship with athletic performance among adolescent athletes in Pakistan. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 150 adolescent athletes using a validated Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (SNKQ-A) and a 3-day dietary recall. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 28.  The results revealed significant gaps in nutrition knowledge, with many athletes failing to meet daily energy and macronutrient requirements. A positive correlation was found between nutrition knowledge and athletic performance. The study recommends structured nutrition education, involvement of dietitians in sports programs, and development of age-appropriate nutrition guidelines for adolescent athletes.

Keywords: Sports nutrition, adolescent athletes, performance, dietary practices, growth.