An Analytical Study of the 2026 U.S. Dietary Guidelines in Light of Athletes’ Nutritional Needs Across Different Types of Physical Activity

Section: Physical Education and Sport Sciences
Issue
Vol. 29 No. 91 (2026): VOL.29 NO.91
Article History
Received: 2026-03-29
Revised: 2026-05-11
Accepted: 2026-05-21
Published: 2026-10-15
Pages
295-317

Abstract

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) for 2026 can serve as an essential framework for improving public health, but it remains controversial whether they meet athletes' nutritional needs, based on the type and intensity of exercise. This research aims to determine how well these guidelines align with today's principles of sports nutrition and the nutrition needs of athletes to be successful at their sport. To conduct this research, the researchers used a comparative analysis approach and reviewed research literature that was found in the field of sports nutrition, as well as various established sports nutrition guidelines, and compared those findings to the information contained in the 2026 DGA. The results provide evidence of some alignment of the 2026 DGA to the sports nutrition guidelines, particularly as they relate to protein intake and consumption of nutrient-dense food. Significant misalignment was observed regarding carbohydrate recommendations, fluid replacement guidelines, sodium consumption, and energy availability for athletes. The study concludes that national dietary recommendations need to be more integrated with sports nutrition guidelines

Keywords:

Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) Sports Nutrition Athletic Performance Nutritional Requirements

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Authors

Ahmed Salah Muflih

Kütahya Dumlupınar University / Department of Education and Sports

الأستاذ الدكتور

Kütahya Dumlupınar University / Department of Education and Sports

Identifiers

DOI: 10.33899/rjss.v29i91.62247

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An Analytical Study of the 2026 U.S. Dietary Guidelines in Light of Athletes’ Nutritional Needs Across Different Types of Physical Activity. (2026). Al-Rafidain Journal For Sport Sciences, 29(91), 295-317. https://doi.org/10.33899/rjss.v29i91.62247
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How to Cite

An Analytical Study of the 2026 U.S. Dietary Guidelines in Light of Athletes’ Nutritional Needs Across Different Types of Physical Activity. (2026). Al-Rafidain Journal For Sport Sciences, 29(91), 295-317. https://doi.org/10.33899/rjss.v29i91.62247