Publication Details
Abstract
This article provides a comprehensive review of the scientific literature to examine the
critical relationship between nutritional knowledge and eating behaviors among young
basketball athletes. Optimal nutrition is fundamental to athletic performance, growth, and
long-term health, yet a significant gap persists between recommended guidelines and the
dietary practices of adolescent athletes. This review synthesizes evidence on the current state
of nutritional knowledge, common dietary habits, and the multifaceted factors that influence
food choices in this population. Findings consistently indicate that deficits in both general
and sport-specific nutritional knowledge are a primary contributor to suboptimal eating
behaviors. The article further examines the impact and effectiveness of various nutrition
education interventions designed to improve both knowledge and dietary practices. Data from
key studies are presented through tables and visualizations to illustrate knowledge scores
across different nutritional categories, compliance with food group recommendations, the
correlation between knowledge and behavior, and the outcomes of educational programs. The
paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings and provides practical,
evidence-based recommendations for athletes, coaches, parents, and sports organizations to
collaboratively foster healthier eating habits and unlock the full potential of young basketball
players.