Research Article

Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players

Volume: 37 Number: 2 June 16, 2026
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Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players

Abstract

This study evaluated and compared the nutrient intake and dietary habits of amateur and professional basketball players, hypothesizing that professionals would exhibit more adequate nutrient intake and healthier dietary habits due to structured training and support systems. Sixty male players (30 amateur, 30 professional), aged 18–30, participated in this cross-sectional study. All were licensed athletes from clubs affiliated with the Turkish Basketball Federation. Data were collected using a 40-item dietary habits questionnaire and three-day food records (training, match, rest day). Nutrient intake was analyzed via BEBIS software, and energy expenditure estimated through activity records and MET values. Anthropometric data included height and body weight. Mean daily energy intake was 2043.4 ± 301.8 kcal (amateurs) and 2238.4 ± 243.5 kcal (professionals); both groups failed to meet energy needs (40–70 kcal/kg/day). Protein intake was notably low among amateurs (mean: 1.1 g/kg/day), below the 1.4–2.0 g/kg/day recommendation. Carbohydrate and fat intake were also insufficient, particularly among amateurs. Although professionals showed relatively better dietary patterns, both groups showed inadequate energy and macronutrient intake. These findings highlight the need for individualized nutrition strategies and improved dietary education, especially for amateurs. The results support implementing dietitian-led interventions within basketball training environments.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sports Nutrition

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

May 22, 2026

Publication Date

June 16, 2026

Submission Date

December 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 18, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 37 Number: 2

APA
Gül, N. B., Karaca Çelik, K. E., Öneş, E., & Baş, M. (2026). Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players. Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 37(2), 101-117. https://doi.org/10.17644/sbd.1846566
AMA
1.Gül NB, Karaca Çelik KE, Öneş E, Baş M. Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players. HJSS. 2026;37(2):101-117. doi:10.17644/sbd.1846566
Chicago
Gül, Nilgün Buse, Kezban Esen Karaca Çelik, Ece Öneş, and Murat Baş. 2026. “Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players”. Spor Bilimleri Dergisi 37 (2): 101-17. https://doi.org/10.17644/sbd.1846566.
EndNote
Gül NB, Karaca Çelik KE, Öneş E, Baş M (June 1, 2026) Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players. Spor Bilimleri Dergisi 37 2 101–117.
IEEE
[1]N. B. Gül, K. E. Karaca Çelik, E. Öneş, and M. Baş, “Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players”, HJSS, vol. 37, no. 2, pp. 101–117, June 2026, doi: 10.17644/sbd.1846566.
ISNAD
Gül, Nilgün Buse - Karaca Çelik, Kezban Esen - Öneş, Ece - Baş, Murat. “Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players”. Spor Bilimleri Dergisi 37/2 (June 1, 2026): 101-117. https://doi.org/10.17644/sbd.1846566.
JAMA
1.Gül NB, Karaca Çelik KE, Öneş E, Baş M. Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players. HJSS. 2026;37:101–117.
MLA
Gül, Nilgün Buse, et al. “Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players”. Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 37, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 101-17, doi:10.17644/sbd.1846566.
Vancouver
1.Nilgün Buse Gül, Kezban Esen Karaca Çelik, Ece Öneş, Murat Baş. Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Dietary Habits Between Professional and Amateur Basketball Players. HJSS. 2026 Jun. 1;37(2):101-17. doi:10.17644/sbd.1846566