This study was performed to investigate the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and dietary habits of physical education (PE) major and non-majors of male college students. The subjects were 253 students residing in Gyeonggi area. Nutrition knowledge scores of PE major students were lower than that of non-major students. Both PE major and nonmajor students reported TV, radio, and internet as their primary sources of nutrition information. Overall dietary attitude scores of two groups did not differ significantly, but PE major students showed more positive attitudes than non-major students for 'Enjoy eating foods that are good for health'. PE major students took more number of meals a day and took more irregularly than non-major students. Also they used more nutrient supplements than non-major students. PE major students drank more amounts of alcohol and drank more frequently than non-major students. But the smoking status of the two groups was not significantly different. PE major students scored higher than non-major students in dietary habits on balance of meals in spite of their low nutrition knowledge scores. Therefore, it is suggested that nutritional programs for PE major and non-major college students should be developed.
The study was performed to investigate the relationship of regular exercise to body composition and nutrient intakes of male college students by comparing anthropometric measurements and one-day dietary intakes by 24-hour recall of physical education (PE) majors and non-major male college students. The subjects were 253 students residing in the Gyeonggi area. Only 64.1% and 32.1% of PE majors and non-major students exercised over 4 times a week and PE major students did stronger exercise than the non-major students did. Mean BMI and WHR (Waist Hip Ratio) of the two groups were not different. But percentages of body fat and lean body mass in PE major students were lower and higher, respectively, than those of non-major students. PE major students consumed significantly more energy and other nutrients except iron, niacin, vitamin C, and vitamin E than non-major students. Nutrients consumed less than KRDA was calcium in PE major students and energy, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C in non-major students. Mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of PE major students (1.00) was significantly higher than that of non-major students (0.94). Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) of all nutrients except vitamin A of PE major students was also significantly higher than that of non-major students. Nutrients below 1.00 in INQ of both groups were calcium, zinc, vitamin B2, and folate. Our data supports that regular exercise may positively influence on body composition and increase diet quality in male college students. Therefore, an educational program focused on regular exercise along with proper dietary behavior would be needed.