ABSTRACT

This study investigated the influence of nutrition on the performance of human Kinetics and sports science students in the University of Benin. To achieve this, three research questions were raised and answered. The study was delimited to students of Human Kinetics and sports science. The descriptive survey design was employed with a population of 310 students in the department of human kinetics and sports science at the University of Benin. A sample of 80 students was selected using disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. A self-constructed questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection from the sample. Content validity was applied to the self-constructed questionnaire which was then modified based on feedback from the researcher's supervisor and one other experts in the department. Data collected from the questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages for demographic data, and mean and standard deviation for research questions.

The results of this study revealed that nutrition has a significant impact on the sports performance of human Kinetics and sports science students. A balanced diet, meal timing, adequate hydration, supplements and personalized nutrition plans were all identified as key factors for enhancing performance in both team and individual sports. Overall, the findings suggest that a better understanding of the role of nutrition in sports performance could lead to improved health and performance for human Kinetics and sports science students.

In conclusion, the study suggest that nutrition plays a significant role in optimizing the performance of human kinetics and sports science students, particularly with regard to endurance, stamina, energy levels, muscle recovery, and hydration during physical activities.  maximize performance, individualized nutrition plans should be developed with the assistance of nutritionists and sports dietitians, taking into account each student's unique body composition, athletic goals, and dietary preferences. Furthermore, human kinetics and sports science students mindfulness of dietary intake and the judicious use of supplements, under the supervision of qualified nutritionists or sports dietitians, are crucial for optimizing performance