Effect of a Nutritional Education Intervention in Female Athletes

This cluster randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of a nutritional education intervention on sports nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, and body composition in adolescent female handball players. Four handball clubs were recruited and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an intervention group or a control group. Randomization was performed at the club level to prevent contamination between participants. The intervention consisted of three in-person group educational sessions delivered once per week over a three-week period by a dietitian-nutritionist. Session content was developed based on focus group findings, baseline nutrition knowledge assessment, and results from a previous pilot study. The intervention addressed key sports nutrition topics, including energy requirements, macronutrients, micronutrients, hydration, and healthy eating strategies for athletic performance. The control group continued their usual dietary habits and did not receive any nutritional education during the intervention period. For ethical reasons, the control group received the educational program after study completion.