Protein intake, post-exercise nutrition, and energy are among the most frequent topics clients ask their dietitians, nutritionists, and trainers to discuss, according to a survey of more than 500 of these sports and active nutrition practitioners conducted by Move Nutrition Network.

The survey revealed a range of recommendations within the sports and active nutrition space. Both functional foods and dietary supplements are consistently recommended by dietitians, nutritionists, and trainers, with an emphasis on gut/digestion and cognitive health.

The survey aimed to understand the sources of nutrition information accessed by these practitioners, the frequency of passing on this information to clients, emerging ingredient trends, and common nutrition questions posed by clients.

Full results are now available on the Move Nutrition Network website.

“As the active nutrition space continues to broaden its scope, the survey results show there is a tremendous opportunity for ingredient suppliers and brands to reach a growing base of consumers through the highly influential relationships practitioners build with their clients,” said Todd Pauli, founder and publisher of Move Nutrition Network.

Beyond category trends, 73% of nutritionists, 61% of dietitians, and 41% of trainers are making sports nutrition recommendations, with the majority of practitioners expecting to increase their sports nutrition recommendations in coming years.

Where are practitioners turning for nutrition insights? Survey results revealed distinct paths for reaching dietitians, nutritionists, and trainers with ingredient and consumer brand information.

For example, trainers consider courses/educational sessions (59%) and research reports (53%) most helpful; dietitians consider cheat sheets/short content and webinars most helpful (both 44%); nutritionists consider case studies/testimonials (43%) most helpful, followed by cheat sheets/short content (38%).

Founded in 2023, Move Nutrition Network aims to offer sports nutritionists, dietitians, and trainers access to important performance nutrition research, brand innovations, and more.