Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Adolescent Athletes in Kogi State Secondary Schools

Optimal nutrition is fundamental to athletic performance, growth, and recovery in adolescent athletes, yet dietary practices among young Nigerian athletes are rarely evaluated within the school sport context. This study examines the dietary habits and nutritional status of adolescent athletes participating in interschool sports competitions in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, with 200 student athletes from 15 secondary schools completing a validated 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire and food frequency checklist. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and body mass index were recorded to assess nutritional status. Dietary data were analysed using NutriSurvey software against recommended daily allowances for active adolescents. Findings indicate that carbohydrate intake meets recommended levels in 61 percent of respondents, while protein intake is inadequate in 58 percent and iron intake is critically low in 71 percent of female athletes. Skipping breakfast is reported by 44 percent of participants, and consumption of fruits and vegetables falls well below recommended levels across the sample. Body mass index assessment reveals undernutrition in 21 percent of athletes, particularly among those in endurance-dominated sports. Sport performance is self-reported as negatively impacted by fatigue and muscle cramps attributed to poor dietary practices. Recommendations include nutrition education for student athletes and their families, involvement of school dietitians, and development of affordable sports nutrition guidelines for the secondary school context. Keywords: dietary habits, nutritional status, adolescent athletes, Kogi State, sports nutrition