Nutritional Supplement Use among College Athletes and Their Sources of Information

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Froiland ◽  
Wanda Koszewski ◽  
Joshua Hingst ◽  
Lisa Kopecky
Keyword(s):  
Female Athletes ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Division I ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Varsity Athletes ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Reasons For Use

A survey was conducted to examine the source of information and usage of nutritional supplements in 115 male and 88 female varsity athletes at a Division I university. The survey asked each athlete to define supplement, and report supplement use and type, source of information, and reasons for use. Supplement use frequencies were determined, and comparisons were made between gender and sport. Eighty-nine percent of the subjects had or were currently using nutritional supplements. Many athletes did not consider sports drinks and calorie replacement products as supplements. Females were more likely to take calcium and multivitamins, and males had significant intake for ginseng, amino acids, glutamine, hydroxy-methyl-buterate (HMB), weight gainers, whey protein, and Juven. The most frequently used supplements overall were energy drinks (73%), calorie replacement products of all types (61.4%), multivitamin (47.3%), creatine (37.2%), and vitamin C (32.4%). There was also significant supplement use noted per sport. Females were more likely to obtain information from family members regarding supplementation, and males from a store nutritionist, fellow athletes, friends, or a coach. Female athletes were more likely to take supplements for their health or because of an inadequate diet, while men reported taking supplements to improve speed and agility, strength and power, or for weight/muscle gain.

scholarly journals Nutritional Supplement Habits of Athletes With an Impairment and Their Sources of Information

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terri Susan Graham-Paulson ◽  
Claudio Perret ◽  
Brett Smith ◽  
Jeanette Crosland ◽  
Victoria Louise Goosey-Tolfrey
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Sporting Event ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Specific Advice ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Reasons For Use

The consumption of nutritional supplements (NS) is common among able-bodied (AB) athletes yet little is known about NS use by athletes with an impairment. This study examined the: (i) prevalence of NS use by athletes with an impairment; (ii) reasons for use/nonuse; (iii) sources of information regarding NS; and (iv) whether age, gender, impairment, performance level and sport category influence NS use. The questionnaire was completed by 399 elite (n = 255) and nonelite (n = 144) athletes (296 M, 103 F) online or at a sporting event/training camp. Data were evaluated using chi-square analyses. Fifty-eight percent (n = 232) of athletes used NS in the previous 6-month period and 41% (n = 102) of these followed the instructions on the label to determine dose. Adherence to these AB recommendations may partly explain why 9% (n = 37) experienced negative effects from NS use. As expected, the most popular NS were: protein, sports drinks, multivitamins and carbohydrate supplements, which were obtained from health food/sport shops, internet and supermarkets (top 3) where evidence-based, impairment-specific advice is limited. The nutritionist/dietitian was the most used and trusted source of information, which is a promising finding. The most prevalent reasons for use were to support exercise recovery, support the immune system and provide energy. Elite athletes were more likely to use NS, which may reflect greater training hours and/or access to nutritionists. Fifty-two percent of athletes (n = 209) requested more information/education regarding NS. NS use is prevalent in this population. Education on dosage and appropriate sources of information is required.

Traditional and Nontraditional Supplement Use by Collegiate Female Varsity Athletes

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 586-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancie H. Herbold ◽  
Bridget K. Visconti ◽  
Susan Frates ◽  
Linda Bandini
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Nutrient Supplements ◽  
Acid Protein ◽  
Varsity Athletes ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
Amino Acid Protein

This study examined the traditional (single and multivitamin/mineral supplements) and nontraditional supplement (herbals, botanicals, and other biologic and nutrient supplements) use by female athletes. Frequency, reasons for use, and sources of supplement information were assessed with a self-report questionnaire. Participants were 162 collegiate female varsity athletes. More than half of all athletes used some type of supplement at least once a month (65.4%). Thirty-six percent (n = 58) of the sample used a multivitamin and mineral with iron. Twelve percent (n = 19) reported amino acid/protein supplement use and 17% (n = 29) used an herbal/botanical supplement. The most frequently cited reason for supplement use was “good health” (60.1%). A major source of information on supplements reported was family (53%). With the general rise in supplement use, nutrition education on the use of traditional and non-traditional supplements is warranted.

scholarly journals Nutritional supplement use among Slovenian adolescents

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 587-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Šterlinko Grm ◽  
Mojca Stubelj Ars ◽  
Lilijana Besednjak-Kocijančič ◽  
Petra Golja
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Nutritional Supplementation ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
North West ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Older Adolescents

AbstractsObjectiveLittle is known about the prevalence of nutritional supplement use in European adolescents. We conducted the present study to analyse the prevalence of nutritional supplement use and factors associated with this use among Slovenian adolescents.DesignThe nutritional supplementation practices of 818 adolescents were studied using an anonymous questionnaire. Information was sought on the type of supplements used, frequency of use and sources of information.SettingThe region of north-west Slovenia.SubjectsSchoolchildren from twenty primary schools and twelve secondary schools.ResultsSome 19·3% of all adolescents reported using at least one nutritional supplement and the prevalence of use was significantly higher in adolescents who were members of sports clubs. Multivitamins were the most common nutritional supplement. Older adolescents were significantly more likely to be supplementing with iron, protein and minerals. Less than 16 % of supplement users in our study sought information from health-care professionals. Nearly 62 % obtained information from parents and coaches, and many adolescents appear to decide on nutritional supplementation themselves, without advice. Older adolescents were significantly more likely to combine supplements than younger adolescents.ConclusionsOne-fifth of Slovenian adolescents use nutritional supplements. There are clear differences in supplement use between younger (age 12 years) and older (age 17 years) adolescents. Multiple use of supplements, coupled with self-managed supplementation in older adolescents, is concerning. Hence, there is an urgent need to provide accurate information regarding nutritional supplements, which will help adolescents, their parents and coaches to make informed choices about their use.

scholarly journals Dietary Supplementation Practices of Singaporean Athletes

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 320-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Slater ◽  
Benedict Tan ◽  
Kong Chuan Teh
Keyword(s):  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Source Information ◽  
Mineral Supplements ◽  
Sports Supplements ◽  
Herbal Preparations ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Anonymous Questionnaire ◽  
Specialist Knowledge

The supplementation practices of elite athletes in Singapore were studied using an anonymous questionnaire. Information was sought on not only the type of supplements used but also dosage, rationale for use, and other factors that might influence supplement use including selected demographic parameters and sources of information relating to supplements. Data was collected from 160 athletes across a spectrum of 30 sports. Use of supplements was widespread, with 77% of respondents acknowledging use of at least 1 product. Respondents ingested a total of 59 different supplements, with each athlete using on average 3.6 ± 0.3 different products. Sports drinks, caffeine, vitamin C, multivitamin/mineral supplements, and essence of chicken were some of the most commonly ingested products, confirming that while vitamin/mineral supplements are popular, sports supplements and traditional/herbal preparations were also well accepted. Respondents preferred to source information pertaining to supplements from “significant others” and other readily accessible sources. A small number of respondents acknowledged the use of International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned or restricted substances, highlighting the need for athletes to consult sports medicine professionals with specialist knowledge of dietary supplements in advance of initiating any supplementation regime.

Nutritional Supplement Use by Dutch Elite and Sub-Elite Athletes: Does Receiving Dietary Counseling Make a Difference?

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Floris C. Wardenaar ◽  
Ingrid J.M. Ceelen ◽  
Jan-Willem Van Dijk ◽  
Roland W.J. Hangelbroek ◽  
Lore Van Roy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Exercise Duration ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sport Nutrition ◽  
Dietary Counseling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Elite Status ◽  
Almost All

The use of nutritional supplements is highly prevalent among athletes. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the prevalence of nutritional supplement use by a large group of Dutch competitive athletes in relation to dietary counseling. A total of 778 athletes (407 males and 371 females) completed a web-based questionnaire about the use of nutritional supplements. Log-binomial regression models were applied to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) for the use of individual nutritional supplements in athletes receiving dietary counseling as compared with athletes not receiving dietary counseling. Of the athletes, 97.2% had used nutritional supplements at some time during their sports career, whereas 84.7% indicated having used supplements during the last 4 weeks. The top ranked supplements used over the last 4 weeks from dietary supplements, sport nutrition products and ergogenic supplements were multivitamin and mineral preparations (42.9%), isotonic sports drinks (44.1%) and caffeine (13.0%). After adjustment for elite status, age, and weekly exercise duration, dietary counseling was associated with a higher prevalence of the use of vitamin D, recovery drinks, energy bars, isotonic drinks with protein, dextrose, beta-alanine, and sodium bicarbonate. In contrast, dietary counseling was inversely associated with the use of combivitamins, calcium, vitamin E, vitamin B2, retinol, energy drinks and BCAA and other amino acids. In conclusion, almost all athletes had used nutritional supplements at some time during their athletic career. Receiving dietary counseling seemed to result in better-informed choices with respect to the use of nutritional supplements related to performance, recovery, and health.

The Use of Nutritional Supplements Among Recreational Athletes in Athens, Greece

2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 377-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Tsitsimpikou ◽  
Nastasia Chrisostomou ◽  
Peter Papalexis ◽  
Konstantinos Tsarouhas ◽  
Aristidis Tsatsakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Anabolic Steroids ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Health Food ◽  
Food Stores ◽  
Recreational Athletes ◽  
Mass Spectrometric Detector ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Source Of Information

Although the use of nutritional supplements by professional athletes and the benefits thereof have been extensively studied, information on recreational athletes’ use of supplements is limited. This study investigated the consumption of nutritional supplements, source of information and supply of supplements, and level of awareness with regard to the relevant legislation among individuals who undertake regular exercise in Athens, Greece. A closed-ended, anonymous questionnaire was answered by 329 subjects (180 men, 149 women), age 30.6 ± 12.1 yr, from 11 randomly selected gym centers. Preparations declared as anabolic agents by the users were submitted to a gas chromatographic analyzer coupled to a mass spectrometric detector. Consumption of nutritional supplements was reported by 41% of the study population, with proteins/amino acids and vitamins being the most popular. Age (r = .456, p = .035), sex (χ2 = 14.1, df = 1, p < .001), level of education (χ2 = 14.1, df = 3, p < .001), and profession (χ2 = 11.4, df = 4, p = .022) were associated with the subjects’ decision to consume nutritional supplements. Most (67.1%) purchased products from health food stores. Only 17.1% had consulted a physician or nutritionist, and one third were aware of the relevant legislation. Two preparations were detected containing synthetic anabolic steroids not stated on the label. In conclusion, use of nutritional supplements was common among recreational athletes in Athens, Greece. A low level of awareness and low involvement of health care professionals as sources of information and supply were observed.

scholarly journals Attitudes towards nutritional supplement use amongst adult gymnasium users in Johannesburg North

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
X Mc Creanor ◽  
Y Coopoo ◽  
G Gabriels
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Normal Diet ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Statutory Body ◽  
Study Participants

Background: Nutritional supplements refer to a product ingested to increase the nutritional content of a normal diet, to fill a dietary need and/or presumed deficiency. The usage and popularity of nutritional supplements, however, raises concerns from a health benefit and risk perspective. In South Africa, there is currently no adequate regulatory framework of enforcement for nutritional supplement products and undeclared constituents by the statutory body, the Medicines Control Council (MCC). Education awareness programmes by organisations that should take consumer protection and the general public health and wellness as a right, needs to be improved. Objectives: To investigate the attitudes toward nutritional supplements by adult gym users from commercial gymnasiums in the Johannesburg North region of South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design, using a selfadministered questionnaire was applied to 364 recruited study participants who attended commercial gymnasiums in Johannesburg North. Results: One hundred and fifty users (41%) claimed that they ‘always’ read the information about the nutritional values, benefits, and side effects of the supplements on the labels prior to use. Three hundred and three users (83%) indicated that the number of users of nutritional supplements in gymnasiums is on the increase. Two hundred and seventy-three (75%) of main information sources for nutritional supplements may be found on the internet, while 292 (80%) indicated the need for gymnasiums to provide educational programmes pertaining to nutritional supplement consumption. Conclusion: Gymnasium users are aware of the increase in nutritional supplement use in commercial gymnasiums. Many of the users were unaware of the potential mislabelling and health concerns regarding these supplements. Therefore there is a need for improved nutritional supplement education programmes and diligence at multiple levels.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of 2550 amateur cyclists shows lack of knowledge regarding relevant sports nutrition guidelines

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
D C Janse van Rensburg ◽  
I M Sparks ◽  
L Fletcher ◽  
A Jansen van Rensburg
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Professional Advice ◽  
Sports Drink ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Nutrition Guidelines ◽  
Sports Drinks ◽  
Endurance Cycling

   Background: Amateur cyclists use a wide variety of supplements and nutritional substances to increase performance in addition to their training.  Objectives: The intended nutritional supplement use, carbohydrate (CHO) use and hydration practices of amateur cyclists before, during and after endurance cycling were analysed. Evidence of ignorance regarding the use of sports supplements and CHO, as well as the disregard of hydration strategy was hypothesised.  Methods: Amateur cyclists, of all age and sex groups, were requested to complete an online survey anonymously on the 2013 Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge website, a few days before the event.  Results: Responses were received from 2 550 out of 30 640 race entrants (8%); representing a distribution of 75% males, 25% females, with the majority between 25 to 45 years old. Nutritional supplements were used by 59% of respondents, with 77% dose adherence, and 29% with supplement ingredient knowledge. Half of the respondents (48%) planned to carbo-load two-three days before the event, while only five percent used professional advice to scientifically calculate their carbo-loading requirements. CHO were consumed by 81% during the event. Hydration preferences during the race were sports drinks (59%) and water (22%); and after the race 45% preferred a sports drink and 40% water. Ingredients, taste, colour, and temperature were criteria used to choose a sports drink. Only 18% of respondents knew to use both colour of urine and thirstiness to determine post-race fluid requirements.  Conclusion: The authors concluded that amateur cyclists had insufficient knowledge regarding nutritional supplement ingredients and usage, CHO requirements and carbo-loading practices, and hydration strategies before, during and after the event. 

Widespread Supplement Intake and Use of Poor Quality Information in Elite Adolescent Swiss Athletes

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Samuel Mettler ◽  
Georgette Lehner ◽  
Gareth Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Female Athletes ◽  
Performance Enhancement ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Adolescent Athletes ◽  
Health Maintenance ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Supplement Intake

Compared with adult athletes, rather little is known about supplementation behavior in adolescent athletes. This study’s aim was to determine elite adolescent athletes’ supplement use and sources of information relating thereto. A total of 430 (87%) of 496 questioned athletes returned the anonymized questionnaire. Thereof, 84% consumed at least one weekly supplement and 97% indicated some supplement intake during the previous 4 weeks. On average, 13.3 supplement servings were consumed per week. The 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile was 4.5, 10.5, and 20.0 servings per week, with a maximum of 67. The most prevalent supplements in use were multimineral products (41% of all athletes), multivitamins (34%), Vitamin C (34%), and Vitamin D (33%). Male athletes consumed significantly more Vitamin C and D, sports drinks, protein powder, and recovery products compared with female athletes; whereas, women consumed more iron supplements. The three most important motives for supplement use were recovery support (40%), health maintenance (39%), and performance enhancement (30%). The most frequent answers to the question “who recommended that you use supplements” were family/friends (36%), a physician (27%), and a trainer/coach (25%). The main three information sources about the supplements in use were the persons who recommended the supplementation (56%), the internet (25%), and information provided by supplement suppliers (11%). A positive doping attitude was associated with the consumption of performance enhancing supplements (p = .017). In conclusion, this study among elite adolescent Swiss athletes indicates a widespread and large-scale use of dietary supplements, which was associated with a low level of information quality.

Predictors of the Relationships Between Nutritional Supplement Use and Weight-Modification Goals of U.S. Army Soldiers

2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 322-335 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krista G. Austin ◽  
Christina E. Carvey ◽  
Emily K. Farina ◽  
Harris R. Lieberman
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Energy Drinks ◽  
Nutritional Supplement ◽  
Sport Nutrition ◽  
Fitness Score ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Army Soldiers

Background:U.S. Army Soldiers must meet body weight and composition standards and consequently may use nutritional supplements (NS) purported to assist in weight modification (WM). Nutritional supplements are dietary supplements (DS) and foods intended to supplement the diet.Purpose:This study assessed relationships between NS use, demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and WM goals among U.S. Army personnel.Methods:Participants (N = 990) self-reported NS use, categorized as energy drinks, sport nutrition products, or DS, and WM goal (lose, gain, or maintain) was ascertained by survey. DS were subcategorized as health, weight-loss, weight-gain, or other DS. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to assess relationships between predictors, NS use, and WM goal. Most respondents (70.3% ± 1.7%) consumed some NS; however, overall NS use was not related to WM goal. Significant relationships were observed between predictors (tobacco use, age, body-mass index, fitness score, general health, and eating habits) and both WM goal and NS use. Respondents attempting to lose or maintain weight were less likely to consume energy drinks and weight-gain DS.Conclusion:WM goal is related to multiple health behaviors including tobacco use, physical fitness score, and self-perception of health and eating behavior. NS are consumed in this population regardless of WM goal.

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