New research from Lidl has revealed a significant knowledge gap in nutrition education for women in sports.

Nearly eight in ten (80%) of women surveyed reported that they had never received specific information on how to maintain healthy nutrition for exercise.

The data also showed that more than half of respondents expressed an interest in receiving practical nutritional information. However, only 18% had access to that information.

Dr Hazel Wallace, nutritionist and founder of The Food Medic, commented: “Nutrition advice for women is often too focused on restriction. Women have distinct nutritional requirements due to hormone fluctuations across the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.

“Most mainstream advice overlooks these differences, leaving many women under-fuelled, underperforming, and with worsening symptoms of conditions like premenstrual syndrome.”

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The results revealed that most Brits are concerned about the need for better accessible gender-informed education around nutrition. Among the 2,000 respondents of the survey, 71% expressed that more needed to be done to bring more access and education for female nutrition in sports, and 67% shared that they had never been offered guidance for their training and recovery.

Ryan McDonnell, chief executive of Lidl GB, added: “Findings from our research and the direct experiences of our very own Lionesses show that too many women are being left to navigate sport and nutrition without the right support.

“As a business committed to making good food accessible to everyone and as an official partner of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, Lidl is proud to champion initiatives that empower women on and off the field – starting with better access to practical and inclusive nutritional information.”

Discounter Lidl is the official partner of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 and is pioneering better information around nutrition for females in sports.