Knowledge about healthy eating and use of supplements among beach tennis practitioners

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: Food supplements have gained popularity in Brazil, especially among those who practice physical activities such as Beach Tennis (BT). This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about healthy eating and the use of supplements among BT practitioners in Montes Claros-MG. Materials and Methods: The study was descriptive, with a quantitative and cross-sectional approach. 32 BT practitioners, aged 18 years or over, randomly selected, participated. It was used an adapted questionnaire, covering sociodemographic information, eating habits, supplement consumption and nutritional knowledge. Results: The participants demonstrated significant understanding of nutrition, although errors occurred regarding the main macronutrient and fruit and vegetable recommendations. The majority of participants correctly recognized the recommended daily amount of water and the feasibility of daily consumption of the traditional Brazilian dish of beans and rice, indicating an adequate understanding about the inclusion of traditional and nutritious foods in the diet. Less than half of them use supplements, but all reported desired results, and the majority receive nutritional guidance from qualified professionals. Conclusion: BT practitioners demonstrate a good understanding about nutrition and recognize the importance of healthy eating for their sports performance. It is essential to improve education in specific areas to optimize the sports performance and general health of these individuals.