Some dietitians say college athletes are underfed

Oct. 29—For years, big-time college athletes have been widely resented on college campuses, perceived by some as pampered and privileged, and maybe even corrupt.

But some observers think the real problem with college athletes is that they are underfed. N.C.A.A. regulations limit colleges to one formal “training meal” a day for their scholarship athletes, whether the athletes are playing tennis, football or any other sport. A few snacks — nuts, fruit and bagels — may also be provided, as well as some nutritional supplements like energy bars.

One group is demanding action. The Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association, founded in 2009 by dietitians working mainly for college athletics programs, is asking the N.C.A.A. to do away with the one-meal-per-day limit and “instead permit unlimited interval feedings as needed throughout the day to fully restore athletes and make them ‘whole again.’ ”