Protein supplementation and dietary behaviours of resistance trained men and women attending commercial gyms: a comparative study between the city centre and the suburbs of Palermo, Italy

Antonino Bianco,Marianna Bellafiore,Antonio Palma,Antonio Paoli,Giuseppe Battaglia,Tatiana Moro,Ewan Thomas,Caterina Mammina

doi:10.1186/1550-2783-11-30

Antonino Bianco, Marianna Bellafiore + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-11-30

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Abstract

BackgroundIt is anecdotally recognized that commercial gym users assume supplements in order to improve performance or health. However, dietary behaviours of people and athletes attending commercial gyms have been poorly studied. The exact amount and frequency of dietary supplements consumption are still needed to be investigated. The main purpose of this study is to understand the quantity and quality of food intake, as well as dietary supplementation in people attending commercial gyms. Secondly to compare the city centre and the suburbs of Palermo, Italy.MethodsA face-to-face questionnaire was administered to 561 subjects, 207 from the city centre (CC) and 354 from the suburbs (SB) of Palermo, Italy. Frequency of protein supplements use and association with dietary behaviours were investigated. Subsequently, the frequency distribution was used for demographic assessment.ResultsFrequency of protein consumption was similar in both groups (30% for CC and 28.8% for SB). Males show greater consumption percentages than females (30.5% in males and 6.9% in females). Milk and chicken are the most frequently consumed foods. Data show that non-supplement users (NSU) consume significantly more snacks and bakery products than supplement users (SU) (P < 0.001). While, SU consume significantly higher quantities of vegetables, nuts, fresh fish, eggs and canned tuna (P < 0.001). SU consume less low protein food and higher protein foods than NSU. No differences were found between CC and SB.ConclusionsProtein consumption among commercial gym users is 30% for the CC and 28.8% for the SB. Significant differences were found between CC and SB females, underlining an interesting discrepancy, indicating to dietary supplement industries regarding regional implications. Subjects that use protein supplements also consume larger quantities of high protein food compared to NSU. NSU also eat higher proportions of unhealthy food compared to SU.

Highlights

The use of supplements is a generally accepted and widespread practice for a variety of reasons
Kaufman et al found that older people were more likely to take multivitamin and mineral supplements, while younger people were more likely to take creatine [4]
According to the nutrition transition model [22], the dietary patterns of a society become more diversified amidst urbanization and higher income levels

Summary

Introduction

The use of supplements is a generally accepted and widespread practice for a variety of reasons. Younger adults are more likely to use products with a short-term effect, either to enhance energy or boost immune function It has been reported by Bailey et al that both men and women use supplements for very specific gender related reasons (e.g., heart and bone health, respectively) [7]. Dietary behaviour is a complex phenomenon; food-based approaches are regarded as the long-term strategy for improving nutrition. These require significant efforts and appropriate planning in order to include certain specific macronutrients or supplements in everyday’s diet [24]. The main purpose of this study is to understand the quantity and quality of food intake, as well as dietary supplementation in people attending commercial gyms. To compare the city centre and the suburbs of Palermo, Italy

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