Consumption Of Dietary Supplements Research Articles

Dietary supplementation and health behavior in a sample of young adults in Austria

Abstract Aim The market for dietary supplements (DS) is booming since DS can be a simple and targeted dietary component if a wholesome nutrition is not available. DS consumption might be linked to other health behaviors that help people to maintain health and reduce potential health risks. The aim of this study was to identify and compare selected health behaviors among young Austrian DS consumers. Subjects and methods An online questionnaire (including dietary habits, consumption of DS, physical activity, general state of health, DEGS FFQ) was handed out via a pannel distribution to young Austrian adults aged 18 to 30 years. Results The questionnaire was answered by 400 participants, of which 33% consumed DS regularly. There were no significant differences between the sexes with regard to the consumption of DS. Most participants (66%) consumed DS without medical prescription. Only the consumption of healthy food as well as weekly time spent on sports as part of health behavior was able to predict DS consumption. Conclusion Although DS consumers show significantly higher levels of health behavior in some facets, they do not differ from non-DS consumers in a large number of health-relevant aspects. Our results indicate that DS consumers exhibit a broader spectrum of health-relevant behaviors than non-DS consumers and thus contribute to maintaining their health. Further studies with larger national samples and alternative assessment methods are necessary to consolidate the existing results and hypotheses.

Consumption of Dietary Supplements among Working-Age Residents of Lithuania in the Period from 2021 to 2023.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) among working-age residents of Lithuania from 2021 to 2023 with respect to social and demographic factors and an assessment of personal health. Materials and Methods: Using stratified sampling techniques, this study included three samples of working-age residents (1600 each year, 4800 total). Three surveys were conducted, the distribution of the respondents between groups was compared using the χ2 test. Results: The consumption of DS significantly differed each year and accounted for 78.1%, 71.6%, and 72.7% of the respondents, respectively (p < 0.05). In 2022, the prevalence of the consumption of DS was lower in the majority of social and demographic groups (p < 0.05). In 2023, it was higher among females, younger residents, and those from larger families, who suffered from COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Despite similar changes found in the consumption of DS among those who negatively assessed their health, this group showed more prevalent consumption of DS among residents with non-university education, unemployed respondents, and those with lower income (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite a significantly lower prevalence in the consumption of DS in 2022, it was higher again in 2023. The assessment of personal health shows different habits in the consumption of DS.

Mycotoxins and pyrrolizidine alkaloids in herbal dietary supplements

ABSTRACT The market demand for herbal dietary supplements is rapidly growing and such products are becoming more common and accessible to consumers. However, the knowledge about their safety remains incomplete. Herbal dietary supplements are one of the food groups that can contribute significantly to human health concerns arising from chronic exposure to pyrrolizidine alkaloids and mycotoxins. This study aimed to simultaneously determine 79 natural contaminants, including mycotoxins, as well as pyrrolizidine and tropane alkaloids in herbal dietary supplements in one analytical run. Exposure assessment and human health risks were assessed for all compounds included in this study. The total concentration of naturally occurring contaminants in herbal dietary supplements reached 5.3 mg kg−1 and the most frequently detected mycotoxins were tentoxin and alternariol monomethyl ether. The latter was detected with the highest frequency, reaching concentrations up to 2.5 mg kg−1. The obtained results indicate a potential risk to public health related to herbal dietary supplement consumption.

Determinants and Prevalence of Depression Among Dietary Supplement Users in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Dietary supplements (DSs) are used by a large number of people globally. It is widely believed that DSs can improve health, prevent diseases, and replenish vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies. We aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with DS use among the Saudi population and the association between DS consumption and depressive symptoms. Research methodology: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. The questionnaire was distributed through an online mode among adult Saudis (18 years or older) living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The survey included four parts: socio-demographic characteristics, participants' health, lifestyle, and activity, vitamin and mineral supplement use, and a patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) as a valid and reliable diagnostic tool for depression. Result: Of the 1309 respondents, 1173 were enrolled. The mean age of the participants was 26.3 ± 8.8 (range, 18-24) years, and approximately 14.7% exhibited psychological anxiety while 8.4% experienced psychological depression. The prevalence of DS use among Saudis was found to be relatively high (52.2%). The most commonly used DS was vitamin D (43%). DSs improved depressive symptoms in 49.4% of the participants. Conclusion: The prevalence of DS use is high among the Saudi population, and vitamin D is the most common DS. The use of multivitamins and minerals, especially iron, is associated with improved depressive symptoms; however, further studies are needed to understand the relationship between DS use and depressive symptoms.

Adulteration of Brain Health (Cognitive, Mood, and Sleep Enhancement) Food Supplements by the Addition of Pharmaceutical Drugs: A Comprehensive Review of Analytical Approaches and Trends.

In recent years, the consumption of dietary supplements has grown worldwide, particularly in developed regions. However, this growing market has also become a prime target for adulteration practices, with some manufacturers illegally adding pharmaceuticals into plant-based food supplements (PFS) to enhance their effects. While extensive research has focused on detecting adulterant drugs in PFS tailored for improving sexual performance, weight loss, and muscle building, less attention has been given to supplements intended for mood enhancement, sleep aid, and cognitive function (nootropics). Nonetheless, recent reports indicate an increasing level of adulteration within this group of PFS. Therefore, this review aims at providing a comprehensive overview on the adulteration of PFS tailored for brain health, with a focus on the analytical techniques utilized for detection while also presenting data on consumption patterns and the prevalence of reported adulterants. Considering that the detection of such fraudulent practices primarily relies on chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), the developments in this field comprising either targeted or untargeted analysis of pharmaceutical adulterants are discussed.

Sociodemographics, playing Habits, adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, dietary supplements intake, physical activity level, and degree of Internet gaming disorder of Portuguese chess players

Introduction: Lifestyle and gaming habits may influence chess players' adhesion to healthy dietary patterns. This study aims to characterize Portuguese chess players sociodemographics, playing traits, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), dietary supplement (DS) consumption, physical activity level, degree of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and to study predictors of adherence to the MD. Methods: Data was gathered using an online survey disseminated through social networks, which included questions regarding sociodemographics, chess playing habits, the PREDIMED questionnaire, DS consumption, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Results: The 192 respondents (93.8 % males) had a mean of 41 years (SD = 14), high education (mean = 15.1 y, SD = 1.7), and played chess for 6.3 hours (SD = 9.7) a week. Most (58.9 %, n = 113) reported moderate adherence to the MD, 30.2 % (n = 58) ingested DS, 64.1 % (n = 123) adhered to the WHO Physical Activity Recommendations, and no subject was classified with IGD. Higher Elo scores correlated with higher red/processed meat consumption (OR = 4.935, p = 0.005). A greater volume of chess play related to higher consumption of pastries and sweets (OR = 3.127, p = 0.007). Higher IGD scores were associated with lower adhesion to the MD (OR = 1.067, p = 0.019). Conclusions: The most dedicated chess players may be less concerned with maintaining a balanced diet and may require supervision from health professionals. Funding: None to disclose.

Predictors of urinary heavy metal concentrations among pregnant women in Jinan, China

BackgroundToxic heavy metal exposure and insufficiency or excess of essential heavy metals may have negative effects on pregnant women’s health and fetal growth. To date, the predictors of pregnant women’s heavy metal exposure levels remain unclear and vary with different regions. The study intended to explore potential predictors of exposure to heavy metals individually and high co-exposure to heavy metal mixtures. MethodsWe recruited 298 pregnant women in first trimester from prenatal clinics in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, and collected spot urine samples and questionnaire data on their demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, consumption of food and dietary supplement, and residential environment. All urine samples were analyzed for seven heavy metals: cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), strontium (Sr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg). ResultsFactors associated with single heavy metal concentration were as follows: a) urinary As, Sr and Cd increased with women’s age respectively; b) pregnant women with higher monthly household income per capita had lower Sr and Mo levels; c) pregnant women with intermittent folic acid supplementation and those not taking tap water as domestic drinking water had lower Sr concentrations; d) Cd was positively linked with consumption frequency of rice; e) Hg was adversely related to consumption frequency of egg and the women who took purified water as domestic drinking water had lower Hg exposure. In addition, pregnant women’s age was positively associated with odds of high co-exposure to Co, As, Sr, Mo, Cd and Pb; while those with an educational level of college had lower odds of high exposure to such a metal mixture compared with those whose educational levels were lower than high school. ConclusionPredictors of single urinary heavy metal concentration included pregnant women’s age (As, Sr and Cd), monthly household income per capita (Sr and Mo), folic acid supplementation (Sr), rice consumption frequency (Cd), egg consumption frequency (Hg) and the type of domestic drinking water (Sr and Hg). Pregnant women with older age, lower educational level tended to have high co-exposure to Co, As, Sr, Mo, Cd and Pb.

Supplement Use and Increased Risks of Cancer: Unveiling the Other Side of the Coin.

There is a rising trend in the consumption of dietary supplements, especially among adults, with the purpose of improving health. While marketing campaigns tout the potential health benefits of using dietary supplements, it is critical to evaluate the potential harmful effects associated with these supplements as well. The majority of the scarce research on the potential harmful effects of vitamins focuses on the acute or chronic toxicities associated with the use of dietary supplements. Quality research is still required to further investigate the risks of long-term use of dietary supplements, especially the risk of developing cancers. The present review concentrates on studies that have investigated the association between the risk of developing cancers and associated mortality with the risk of dietary supplements. Such an association has been reported for several vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements. Even though several of these studies come with their own shortcomings and critics, they must draw attention to further investigate long-term adverse effects of dietary supplements and advise consumers and healthcare providers to ponder the extensive use of dietary supplements.

Evaluating knowledge, habits, and beliefs regarding dietary supplements as a protective measure against COVID-19 in Malaysia and Iraq: A postsecond wave cross-sectional analysis.

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought to the forefront various public health approaches, including the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) as a protective measure. With misinformation regarding the virus and the associated benefits of DS prevalent, this study aimed to understand knowledge, habits, and beliefs related to DS usage as a protective measure during the pandemic in Malaysia and Iraq, two countries with deep-rooted traditions in herbal and supplement usage. A cross-sectional research study was conducted between September 2021 and March 2022 using a validated online survey. The participants included Malaysians and Iraqis aged 18 years and above who currently consume DS. Using the SurveyMonkey® platform, data were collected from 2425 respondents (response rate = 60.6%), with analysis carried out using SPSS version 28. Demographically, the sample had an almost equal distribution of Malaysians (51%) and Iraqis (49%), with a mean age of 30.61. The majority had tertiary education (78.6%), and only a fraction had been infected with COVID-19 (26.2%). Concerning knowledge, a significant portion exhibited poor understanding (84.2%) of DS's functioning and implications. Regarding habits, many respondents consumed multivitamins (75.2%), with influence largely coming from peers (23.5%) and product leaflets (46.7%). Belief-wise, about half (49.2%) utilized herbal or supplemental products as a protective measure during the pandemic, with vitamin C with zinc being the most commonly used (45.4%). The study underlines a significant inclination towards DS usage in Malaysia and Iraq, influenced by societal connections and available information. While many believe in the protective capacities of DS against COVID-19, a substantial knowledge gap persists. It emphasizes the need for evidence-based awareness campaigns and policies to guide public health decisions.

Overview of Dietary Supplements Use: A Narrative Review

Abstract: Dietary supplements are ingestible nutrient products used in individuals’ diets to meet their adequate intake of nutrients required for general health purposes. This review aims to explore the impact of using dietary supplements in relation to communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as some adverse effects caused by dietary supplements. Findings indicated that vitamin D supplements can aid in recovery from flu and COVID-19. Folic acid can reduce stroke incidents among adults with hypertension. Moreover, vitamin C or calcium intake is significantly associated with lowering diabetes risk. Advantageous effects have been reported of high doses of vitamin C against breast cancer. Moreover, frequent consumption of vitamin E reduced the risk of chronic lung diseases by 10%. In conclusion, the present review confirms the beneficial health effects of dietary supplement consumption and suggests further investigations for a better understanding of their mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

CIVIL LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

This paper is an attempt to answer a question concerning the existing legal framework and whether or not it is sufficient to ensure civil liability for damages caused by the consumption of a defective dietary supplement. The issue of proper regulation of liability for the defects of unsafe food products will become increasingly important in view of the rapid development of food production and consumption. It is assumed that normative sanctioning of that type of liability should primarily contribute to ensuring better protection of the consumer. However, the example of liability of damage caused by consuming dietary supplements illustrates that we are dealing with a multi-dimensional issue that may go beyond the applicable regime. The existing legal framework is insufficient to ensure civil liability for damages caused by the consumption of a defective dietary supplement. It is a direct consequence of the specific nature of dietary supplements and the lack of an adequate risk analysis when adding a definition of that product to EU law. De lege ferenda, it is imperative that the term of a product ‘defect’ be expanded and that additional disclosure duties are imposed on manufacturers, among others.

Marketable 1,3-dimethylamylamine and caffeine-based thermogenic supplements: Regulatory genotoxicity assessment through in vitro and in silico approaches

ABSTRACT The consumption of dietary supplements to enhance physical performance has increased significantly in the last century, especially thermogenic pre-workout supplements. Nevertheless, this industry has faced criticism for inadequate safety measures surveillance in regulatory issues regarding their products. The aims of our study were to investigate two pre-workout supplements with respect to (1) mutagenicity utilizing Salmonella/microsome assay; (2) genotoxicity employing cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay protocols; and (3) hepatocytoxicity using WST cell proliferation, activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase using human liver carcinoma (HepG2) and mouse fibroblast (F C3H) cells. Oxidative stress was determined through glutathione (GSH) measurement and in silico for predictions of pharmacokinetics and toxicity for the most abundant isolated substances present in these supplements. Both supplements induced mutagenicity in all examined bacterial strains, especially in the presence of exogenous metabolism. Further, tested supplements significantly elevated the formation of micronuclei (MN) as well as other cellular phenomena. Concentration- and time-dependent curves were observed for hepatotoxicity in both studied cell lines. In addition, both supplements decreased levels of intracellular and extracellular GSH. In silico predictions showed that the isolated individual compounds failed to induce the observed outcomes. Our findings provide contributions to the molecular mechanisms underlying two pre-workout supplement-induced toxicity and the need for surveillance.

Medication literacy and its social contextuality.

This article aims to contribute to the discussion about medication literacy, by focussing on the social contextuality of the information mobilised in the use of medicines. We aim to explore the social construction processes of medication literacy, as an essential dimension for a more layperson-centred approach in the promotion of literacy in this field. This approach is justified by the growing social and cultural dissemination of medication use, the diversification of its uses beyond health and illness, and the increasing degree of lay autonomy in managing its use. The article is organised in two main sections. In the first section, we review the social history of medication literacy, including a discussion of the social contextuality of literacy phenomena. In the second section, the analysis of social contextuality is operationalised with a focus on information, covering: (i) ways of relating to institutional information and sources of information about medication; (ii) contexts of sociability in which information is shared and validated. This analysis is empirically supported by selected results from two research projects, conducted in Portugal, on the consumption of medicines and dietary supplements for performance purposes - that is, for the management and/or improvement of cognitive, bodily or relational performance.

Pilot study of dietary supplement consumption by elderly people

Introduction: Diet affects the proper function of human body and plays an important role in the preventionof many diseases. In the elderly, some body functions, including nutrition, are impaired, so it is important toconsider dietary supplements at this time. Consumption of dietary supplements by the elderly has becomecommon in recent years. In addition, the global ageing process has accelerated significantly in recent decades.Currently, on the food market, there are many dietary supplements dedicated to the elderly. Manufacturersof these products are able to perfectly recognize the special nutritional needs of the elderly, which results inthe creation of new lines of modern products.Objective: The purpose of the study was to analyse the use of dietary supplements administered in theelderly, improvement of seniors’ knowledge on dietary supplements and investigation of their awarenessabout the risks associated with such products.Methods: The study was conducted by questionnaire method among 302 elderly people in two provincesof Poland. Additionally, dietary supplements offered at various retail outlets were reviewed (53), as well aspublic warnings published by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate in Poland that addressed the risks with dietarysupplements (10).Results: The questionnaire was completed by 302 respondents (217 females, 85 males). The age of therespondents was distributed as follows: 32.45% aged 65–74, 44. % aged 75–79, 23.17% aged ≥80. Dietarysupplements consumed by seniors or widely offered in the food market mainly include ingredients asfollows: plant preparations, vitamins and minerals, electrolytes. Significantly more women have been takingdietary supplements (72%), compared to men (36%). Simultaneous administration of two or more productswas declared by 71.9% of respondents. Unfortunately, only 21% of respondents recognized any risks ofconsuming dietary supplements.Conclusion: The use of dietary supplements among elderly people has definitely increased lately. Thequestionnaire shows that approximately 86% of respondents have consumed dietary supplements at leastonce in their life, while 14% of respondents have never used these products. The survey demonstrates thatthere is a need of the continued education of the elderly about dietary supplementation and the dangers ofuncontrolled consumption of different types of supplements.

Assessment of dietary nitrate supplementation: prevalence of use, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among active Australians.

Use of nitrate as a dietary supplement has gained popularity among athletes and recreationally active individuals to enhance exercise performance. However, the prevalence and patterns of use, and knowledge of nitrate as a dietary supplement are unknown. Individuals (≥16y) completed a 42-item online questionnaire to collect (i) sociodemographic information; (ii) participation in activity and sport; (iii) nitrate supplementation use and reasons; (iv) attitudes and beliefs regarding information sources and the safety of nitrate as a dietary supplement; and (v) knowledge of dietary nitrate supplements. In total, 1,404 active adults (66% female) took part in the study. Only about one in 10 respondents (11.9%) reported they had consumed dietary nitrate ("users") in the past, most commonly as beetroot juice (31.3%). Over two-thirds (69.4%) of users could not correctly identify the correct timing of intake relative to performance time to best improve exercise performance, and most users (82.3%) were unsure of the contraindications to oral consumption of dietary nitrate supplements. Only 3.9% of users experienced adverse effects after ingesting dietary nitrate supplements. Among non-users, the most common reasons respondents selected for not using dietary nitrate supplements were "I do not think I need to" (70.2%) and "I have never thought about it" (69.2%). There is evidence to support the efficacy of dietary nitrate intake in improving exercise performance. However, findings from this study suggest dietary nitrate is under-utilized. Educational messages that target dietary nitrate consumption should be targeted toward nutritionists, coaches, and exercise physiologists to bridge the gap between knowledge-to-practice.

[Niacin-associated macular edema after consumption of dietary supplements].

[Niacin-associated macular edema after consumption of dietary supplements].

Covid-19 Pandemic, Communicable Diseases and Consumption of Dietary and Herbal Supplements in Sub-Sahara African Setting – Nigeria

Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic brought about changes in the livelihood of most people around the globe, including variations in intake of dietary and herbal supplements (DHS) during the pandemic. Objectives: To evaluate the dynamics of dietary and herbal supplements intake by persons already diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB), Human Immuno-deficient Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis (Hep) during the pandemic in Nigeria. Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Setting: Within the geographical location and boundary of the country only. Participants: Adolescents, and adults residing in Nigeria. Respondents with TB, HIV and Hepatitis (n = 243) from a larger study (n=645) were recruited from different geo-political zones and various ethnic groups. Primary and Secondary Outcomes: Prevalence and determinants for the use of different DHS during Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, sources of information and reasons for use of these DHS. Results: HIV was the most prevalent communicable disease (95%) in the study. Most of the respondents increased their intake of supplements during the pandemic. Female respondents with HIV were slightly more likely to increase their consumption of supplements more than their male counterparts (χ²=0.09, P-value=0.77, OR=1.12, 95% CI=0.52, 2.45). Vitamin C was the most-consumed supplement by respondents with HIV (64.5%) and TB (60%) but the least by respondents with Hep (14.3%). Calcium (30, 13%) and zinc (16, 7%) were taken only by respondents with HIV. Maintenance of good health was the main reason for increased consumption of DHS and health-care providers were the major source of information on the use of DHS during the pandemic. Conclusions: HIV was most prevalent among the respondents. There was increased consumption of DHS and Vitamin C was the most consumed supplement during Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria, The use of DHS by Nigerians with communicable diseases should be explored further to ascertain their usefulness or otherwise during illness or a future pandemic.

Dietary Habits and Gaming Behaviors of Portuguese and Brazilian Esports Players.

As the esports industry grows, marketing campaigns for fast food, soft drinks, alcoholic and energy drinks, and dietary supplements at related events intensify. Portuguese and Brazilian esports players' dietary patterns remain unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the dietary and gaming habits of esports players. We applied an anonymous, open online survey to a convenience sample of esports players that included the PREDIMED and the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. The survey was shared through email and social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Discord, WhatsApp, and Twitch. The sample (n = 579) was predominantly male (91.4%), averaged 26.1 (SD = 7.0) years, and 25.9 (SD = 5.5) kg/m2. Most reported a weak (53.7%) adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Almost a third (32.3%) consumed dietary supplements. Our sample presented a low adhesion to the Mediterranean dietary pattern, low consumption of fruit and vegetables, and high consumption of fast food, red and processed meat, soft drinks, and dietary supplements, including caffeine-based supplements. Dietary supplement consumption was related to a higher adhesion to the Mediterranean diet, and a higher level of professionalization and internet gaming disorder correlated with a lower adhesion. In conclusion, we infer that Portuguese and Brazilian esports players follow an unbalanced diet.

Protein supplement consumption prevalence, habits and complications in adolescents

IntroductionThe consumption of nutritional and protein supplements by adolescents may have important consequences for their health. MethodsProspective observational study based on a survey of adolescents enrolled in 6 schools selected at random in the city of Seville. Our primary objective was to determine the actual consumption of dietary supplements in the adolescent population and quantifying their protein content. ResultsWe obtained a total of 263 valid responses that showed a prevalence of consumption of nutritional supplements of any kind of 19.01%, of which 56.0% (10.64% of the total) corresponded to adolescents that consumed protein supplements for a mean protein intake of 0.26 g/kg/day (SD, 0.18). The profile of consumers of any type of supplements differed from that of nonconsumers in age, use of long-term medication and weight loss or high-protein diets. The comparison of adolescents who consumed protein supplements versus nonprotein supplements only evinced a significant difference in the control of supplement consumption. Although most of these adolescents were not subject to external control, 25.92% of those who consumed protein supplements were monitored by a professional, compared to 7.38% of consumers of nonprotein supplements. In the group that consumed protein supplements, 85.18% of adolescents achieved the desired effect and 18.51% reported some form of negative effect. ConclusionsThe prevalence of protein supplement consumption among adolescents in our area is 10.64%, with consumption of amounts corresponding to 25% of the recommended daily allowance of protein. The profile of protein supplement consumers is very similar to that of nonprotein supplement consumers.

Prevalencia, hábitos de consumo y complicaciones de los suplementos nutricionales proteicos en adolescentes

IntroductionThe consumption of nutritional and protein supplements by adolescents may have important consequences for their health. Material and methodsProspective observational study based on a survey of adolescents enrolled in six schools selected at random in the city of Seville. Our primary objective was to determine the actual consumption of dietary supplements in the adolescent population and quantifying their protein content. ResultsWe obtained a total of 263 valid responses that showed a prevalence of consumption of nutritional supplements of any kind of 19.01%, of which 56.0% (10.64% of the total) corresponded to adolescents that consumed protein supplements for a mean protein intake of 0.26 g/kg/day (SD, 0.18).The profile of consumers of any type of supplements differed from that of nonconsumers in age, use of long-term medication and weight loss or high-protein diets. The comparison of adolescents who consumed protein supplements versus nonprotein supplements only evinced a significant difference in the control of supplement consumption. Although most of these adolescents were not subject to external control, 25.92% of those who consumed protein supplements were monitored by a professional, compared to 7.38% of consumers of nonprotein supplements. In the group that consumed protein supplements, 85.18% of adolescents achieved the desired effect and 18.51% reported some form of negative effect. ConclusionsThe prevalence of protein supplement consumption among adolescents in our area is 10.64%, with consumption of amounts corresponding to 25% of the recommended daily allowance of protein. The profile of protein supplement consumers is very similar to that of nonprotein supplement consumers.