Consumption of nutritional supplements by gym attendants and health clubs

Abstract

Abstract Background Nowadays there has been a greater concern for health and well-being, as well as the constant search for the ‘ideal body’ trend. As a consequence, vitamin, protein and food supplements are more and more frequent in the population's dietary pattern, as compensation for an unbalanced diet and in the fight against intense physical/psychological wear and tear. The main objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of consumption of nutritional supplements by gym goers. Methods This is an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, lasting 9 months and with the collection of information through a questionnaire. The statistical treatment of the data was carried out with the aid of the SPSS program. Results It was found that the prevalence of consumption is higher in males (58.9%). The most consumed type of vitamin supplement were multivitamins with mineral salts (46.2%) and whey protein (89%) as a protein supplement. The most cited reason for its consumption was ‘accelerating the recovery’ (62.3%). The most common supplementation frequency is daily (54.1%), with the majority of respondents assuming a cost in the consumption of supplements in the range of 10 to 20 €monthly. The main place for its acquisition was the internet (65.6%) and the sources most mentioned by respondents to obtain knowledge about supplements were the internet and the trainer, both with 36.1%. Conclusions In Portugal, the prevalence of consumption is still unknown, and it is necessary to make the population aware of the possible risks associated with incorrect supplementation, unbalanced diet and exercise.