Where Female Athletes Obtain Nutrition Information and the Reliability of the Source

Background: Social Media and online searches are easily accessible options for obtaining health information and education. However, not all social media sources are reliable sources of information. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the sources of nutrition information used by collegiate athletes and nutrition students. Participants' perception of the reliability of these sources was also examined. Methods: A survey was used to gather samples from collegiate athletes, as well as nutrition students, at a small women's college in Boston, Massachusetts. The survey inquired where participants search for nutrition information, the nutrition sources they use the most, and their opinions regarding the reliability of these sources. Responses of the athletes were compared to responses of the nutrition students who have the educational background in nutrition. Results: Athletes chose physicians and coaches as their top sources of nutrition information whereas nutrition students chose blogs and Registered Dietitians. Amongst nutrition students, 50.8% found registered dietitians to be a top 5 source of nutrition information whereas only 13.2% of athletes found Registered Dietitians to be a reliable source of information. Overall, Nutrition students obtained their nutrition information from more reliable sources than the sources used by collegiate athletes. Discussion: Although social media was not reported as a reliable source of nutrition information, young female adults are looking at social media and online search engines for nutrition information. Implications for Health Education Practice: Registered Dietitians are viewed as reliable sources of nutrition information by young adults and should disseminate nutrition education through popular sites such as blogs, websites, and magazines.