Usage Of Nutritional Supplements Research Articles

Study about Nutraceuticals and its Usage among General People in a District of Bangladesh

Consumers' health is impacted by nutraceuticals in a variety of ways biochemically. Beyond their basic nutritional roles, nutraceuticals offer additional advantages. Identifying nutritional deficiencies from other physiological effects, like lowered disease risk, is crucial. Herbal supplements, refined foods, genetically modified foods, and dietary supplements are examples of nutraceuticals. A nutritional supplement survey was conducted in a few areas of the Narsingdi district. In total 210 men and women were enlisted, and the majority of them underwent methodical in-person interviews. This study's main objective was to determine how much knowledge and usage of nutritional supplements there was among people living in rural and urban areas. All findings are presented and clarified in result and discussion section. In summary, this study broadens the current understanding of the pattern of nutraceutical use among Bangladeshi urban and rural populations.

Information, perception, and utilization of vitamin supplementation among patients in private hospital in Bangladesh

Despite the fact that nutritional supplements are very beneficial to the human body and can help restore equilibrium when there is an imbalance, they can also have detrimental effects on the body if taken excessively, particularly if high dosages of these vitamins are taken, which can lead to a variety of health issues. The purpose of our study is to evaluate patients' knowledge, attitudes, and habits about the usage of nutritional supplements and how they affect overall health. To evaluate patient knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of nutritional supplements, an outpatient descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in (Citylab Health Care Hospital) Kishoreganj, Bangladesh. Answers to a questionnaire created specifically for this purpose were used to gather data. Following oral consent from patients attending outpatient clinics, patients were interviewed. Data was collected for two months, starting in June 2023 and ending in July 2023. The findings of the study indicate that a majority of participants, specifically 72.5%, reported the consumption of vitamins. Furthermore, it was observed that a significant proportion of individuals, specifically 39%, were taking these vitamins under the guidance of a prescription. The results of the study indicate that vitamin C was the most widely recognized nutrient among the participants, with a prevalence rate of 62.5%. Conversely, vitamin D was found to have the lowest level of familiarity, with only 28% of respondents demonstrating awareness of this particular vitamin. The individuals obtained their knowledge regarding nutritional supplements from various sources, including internet sites, medical professionals, and books. The primary motivation for the consumption of nutritional supplements was to enhance overall health, as indicated by a majority of respondents (78%). In order to recover from the illness, they achieved a healing rate of 76%.

The Prevalence of Stimulant and Nutritional Supplement Usage Among Students at Abu Dhabi Universities in Gyms

University students in Abu Dhabi used stimulants and nutritional supplements at gyms. The study pinpointed variations based on the variables (years of practice, education level, age, and gender) and other. 512 male and female students from various colleges made randomly up the sample. The questionnaire was used to obtain the results. Findings revealed that (46 %) took tablets at a rate of (30.9%), (9.8%) take injections at a rate of (6.3%). Statistically, (8.2%) used supplements for more than five years, (91.2%) of students realized the difference between nutritional supplements and stimulants. The first-year attained the greatest rate in age variable. However, the gender variable was (63.1%) for males and (36.9%) for females in (19-25 Years) age group. The years of physical activity variable showed the most in the use of nutritional supplements and stimulants. All in all, this is to provide supervision for gyms and nutrition centers, get doctor’s approval for such materials, and conduct educational courses and workshops for trainers and gym supervisors to limit stimulants and supplements use.

Running addiction.

Running is a common physical activity of an aerobic nature that is carried out mostly outdoors and presents a healthy lifestyle. However, the positive effect of running often masks the downsides of potential addiction that can compromise an individual's physical, mental, and social functioning. Most often there is a thin and unclear line separating passionate athletes and running addicts. Thus, it is necessary to educate the running community to raise awareness of the negative effects of over-training, prevent complications and injuries and to seek the necessary help. The study sample consisted of runners from the Croatian population of both genders, aged 18 to 75, who have been running for more than a year. The respondents were divided into groups according to the favorite length of the racing race. Groups were compared in terms of nutritional supplements usage, running-related injuries, as well as the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on their running volume. Difference between groups in Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) questionnaire outcome scores was also accessed. The statistical analysis included the answers of 644 people of both genders, among which 309 (48%) men and 335 (52%) women. The average age of the respondents was 42 years (18-75), and the average age of running was 5 years (1-42). Only among the respondents who started running most recently (1 to 10 years), and those who run the longest races (longer than 100 km) were found to use nutritional supplements significantly more (71.43%, P<0.001) and sustained injuries associated with running more than rest of the groups (100%, P=0.013). Due to the pandemic, only respondents who have been running for the longest time (31-42 years) and prefer to run races from 21 to 42 km significantly reduced the amount of training (75%, P=0.037). The risk for addiction was significantly positively associated with the use of dietary supplements, the favorite length of the race and the frequency of injuries, while there was no association with the length of running. Running is a high-risk sport for addiction development. All the benevolent attitudes and positive effects of running often mask the downsides of addiction that can compromise an individual and his or her physical, mental, and social functioning. Due to the high percentage of addiction risk of 25%, it is necessary to educate the racing community to raise awareness of the negative effects of overtraining, prevent complications and seek the necessary help.

‘Between foods and medicines’: A qualitative interview study of patient experiences of the meaning and usage of oral nutritional supplements

The aim of this study was to deepen the understanding of what oral nutritional supplements mean to patients and how this meaning connects to supplement usage, by exploring patient experiences of such supplements. Qualitative interviews were conducted in June 2019–March 2020 with ten patients with malnutrition or at nutritional risk, prescribed oral nutritional supplements by dietitians. Data were thematically analysed using systematic text condensation. Two final categories were identified: ‘Oral nutritional supplements are a one-dimensional remedy’ and ‘Everyday oral nutritional supplement usage is regulated autonomously’. The patients described the meaning of oral nutritional supplements as nutrition. While the supplements could compensate for nutrients not eaten or be part of a helpful compensation strategy, they could not lessen the burden of altered eating. Supplement usage was described as dependent on the acceptance of taste and the priority given to nutrition in everyday life. Usage was greater when nutrients were perceived as needed, such as when striving for higher bodyweight or disease recovery. Usage was lower when a patient's own goals were not increased nutrient intake or bodyweight or when other activities were perceived as more important. Patient experiences indicated that oral nutritional supplements could serve as a remedy for malnutrition, but not for a situation of altered eating. Supplement usage was described as being regulated autonomously based on patient views on the importance of nutrition. Those views were diverse, highlighting the importance of supplement prescribers discussing treatment goals with each patient. A deeper understanding of the meaning of oral nutritional supplements and reasons for their usage from a patient perspective is crucial in order for healthcare to provide appropriate, effective nutrition therapy for malnutrition.

Usage of nutritional supplements to improve immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online survey

Background and aimsProper nutrition to optimise immune function is mandatory as at present there is no specific medicine to cure COVID-19. Our study aimed to investigate the use of nutritional supplements and their key immunity enhancing components among Sri Lankans.MethodsThis current study was an online survey conducted during the period from 27th May to 2nd June 2021 disseminated via various social media platforms. Details were collected on highlighting the frequency and composition of nutritional supplements consumed.ResultsIn a total of 3707 responders, a proportion of 25.5% (944) of the participants took supplements regularly, and 32.6% (1210), 14.5% (538), 27.4% (1015) intake were occasionally, rarely and never respectively. Older participants (>40 years of age) had a significantly higher intake of supplements than the younger counterpart of 31–35 years age group (OR: 0.604; 95% CI, 0.451–0.809; p < 0.001). Almost half (46.0%) took vitamin C supplements and females tend to take more (OR: 1.325; 95% CI, 1.120–1.567; p < 0.001) of vitamin C when compared to males. Comparatively to the other groups regarding monthly income, the participants with the highest income category are more likely to take vitamin D (OR:1.899; 95% CI, 1.034–3.490; p = 0.039) and multivitamin (OR: 3.222; 95% CI, 1.737–5.977; p < 0.001). The most commonly used main ingredient in home-made remedy was coriander in Sri Lanka.ConclusionThe use of nutritional supplements and natural products to improve immunity during the pandemic were frequent among Sri Lankan adults. In general, older, female gender and high income was significantly associated with increased intake of the nutrient supplements.

Pattern and Correctness of Male Bodybuilders' Supplements and Medicines Consumption: An Evaluation by Pharmacist

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the profile of medicines and nutritional supplements usage, including the correctness of consumption manner, among male bodybuilders. Methods: A checklist was applied to gather data from bodybuilders participating in gyms in Hamadan. Questions were asked about the athlete's demographics, medicines and supplements being used in line with their bodybuilding goals. Then, the pharmacist assessed that how correct is the manner of consumption and provided the participants with the needed advices. Results: 82.5% of the respondents were not using any medicines. Supplementation was far more common and magnesium was the most current product. Wrong consumption was very more prevalent for medicines than supplements. Inappropriate dosage was the most frequent mistake in supplementation. Conclusions: Although a majority of the participants reported that they had received consultation, noticeable issues regarding medicine misuse were identified. Totally, the findings demonstrated the importance of pharmacists' collaboration to ensure athletes' access to accurate consultations.

Disparities in Oral Nutritional Supplement Usage and Dispensing Patterns across Primary Care in Ireland: ONSPres Project.

When treating malnutrition, oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) are advised when optimising the diet is insufficient; however, ONS usage and user characteristics have not been previously analysed. A retrospective secondary analysis was performed on dispensed pharmacy claim data for 14,282 anonymised adult patients in primary care in Ireland in 2018. Patient sex, age, residential status, ONS volume (units) and ONS cost (EUR) were analysed. The categories of ‘Moderate’ (<75th centile), ‘High’ (75th–89th centile) and ‘Very High’ ONS users (≥90th centile) were created. The analyses among groups utilised t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests and chi-squared tests. This cohort was 58.2% female, median age was 76 years, with 18.7% in residential care. The most frequently dispensed ONS type was very-high-energy sip feeds (45% of cohort). Younger males were dispensed more ONSs than females (<65 years: median units, 136 vs. 90; p < 0.01). Patients living independently were dispensed half the volume of those in residential care (112 vs. 240 units; p < 0.01). ‘Moderate’ ONS users were dispensed a yearly median of 84 ONS units (median cost, EUR 153), ‘High’ users were dispensed 420 units (EUR 806) and ‘Very High’ users 892 yearly units (EUR 2402; p < 0.01). Further analyses should focus on elucidating the reasons for high ONS usage in residential care patients and younger males.

Beliefs and knowledge related to nutritional supplements among pharmacy students

A variety of supplement-drug interactions has been identified, and therefore health scientists should be aware of the proper usage of nutritional supplements. The main aim of this study was to assess beliefs and knowledge related to nutritional supplements among pharmacy students. A cross-sectional study was conducted in order to assess beliefs and knowledge related to nutritional supplements among pharmacy students. A literature review on nutritional supplements was conducted in order to develop a 24-item questionnaire, and expert indications established its face and content validity. Τhe sample was comprised of 142 pharmacy students in Cyprus, whose results are presented. The majority of the participants was receiving nutritional supplements (66.9%) and believed that nutritional supplements may interact and may have toxic effects. Those in the higher years of study scored higher in knowledge than those in the lower ones. The mean scores (mean ± SD) on the knowledge about nutritional supplements by the years of study were 9.14 ± 2.67, 8.71 ± 2.92, 9.91 ± 2.08, 11.16 ± 3.00, and 15.76 ± 2.67 and compared using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni correction. The level of statistical significance was set at p &lt; 0.05. The study showed that pharmacy students are adequately informed about nutritional supplements and that this subject is essential for the curriculum of pharmaceutical studies.

Analysis of dispensing patterns and non-disease specific oral nutritional supplement usage in primary care: the onspres project

Rationale: Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are recommended for malnutrition when dietary optimisation is insufficient. Multi-disciplinary support to manage malnutrition is limited, and the characteristics of ONS users and patterns of usage are unclear. This analysis describes the characteristics of ONS users and dispensing patterns of ONS in primary care in Ireland.

Usage of nutritional supplements and its side effects among gym goers in Pune

Nutritional supplements have always been a point of attractionfor physically active people. These have improved exercise performance,increased muscular strength, weight gain or weight loss,etc. The irrational use of supplements has led to various side effectsassociated with them. There is a shortage of evidence suggestingthe usage and knowledge regarding the consumption ofdietary supplements. A cross-sectional study was conducted witha 121 sample size randomly chosen from 5 different zones of thecity. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect informationwherein participants reported their demographics, physical activity,supplement usage patterns, source of information, and side effects.Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, was used with p&lt;0.05 as significant.Samples used different dosages, forms, brands, and accessto supplements. The participants coming to the gym for moreextended periods were likely to consume supplements in higherdosages (p = 0.020). Protein powder was consumed by 97.5% ofthe samples. There was a significant association between differenttypes of supplements across gender, age group, and period of exercisingin the gym. Side effects such as cramps (p = 0.015) andnausea were significantly associated with high dosages of supplementconsumption. The majority of them (51.2%) took advice fromtrainers. Only 9.9% consulted dieticians. Individuals consumed supplementswithout the guidance of any health professionals, whichwas predisposing them to various side effects. This reflects a lackof knowledge and awareness of supplement usage and highlightseducating various stakeholders and gym-goers.

Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire as a predictor of undernutrition in cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy: A retrospective study.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to verify whether the revised Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire© (SNAQ), a simplified nutritional assessment, could be comparable with serum albumin (ALB) levels as a predictor of undernutrition in cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy. Of 111 patients, 79 patients with baseline ALB levels ≥3.5g/dL were included in the analysis. Patients completed the revised SNAQ, which evaluated items including appetite loss, weight loss, nutritional supplement usage, age, and body mass index, using a maximum of 12 points (a score of ≥3 was marked as severe undernutrition). ALB levels were then monitored for 1 year using patient medical records. There was a significant difference in event-free survival (EFS) when the SNAQ scores were classified into two groups [i.e., scores of ≤3 (SNAQ3) or scores of ≥4 (SNAQ4)]. The 150-day EFS rate was 86.8% and 57.6% for SNAQ3 and SNAQ4, respectively (hazard ratio: 2.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.31-6.51; p=0.009). Based on the Cox proportional-hazards analysis, a higher risk of undernutrition was associated with SNAQ4 (compared with SNAQ3), C-reactive protein levels, and serum transthyretin levels. The revised SNAQ is a predictor of undernutrition in cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy. In particular, it is important that patients with a SNAQ score of ≥4 receive dietary guidance at an early stage as they are likely to become undernourished within a year.

Nutrition/Dietary Supplements and Chronic Pain in Patients with Cancer and Survivors of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Research Agenda

Chronic pain is one of the most often seen, but often undertreated, sequelae in survivors of cancer. Also, this population often shows significant nutritional deficiencies, which can affect quality of life, general health status, and even risk of relapse. Given the influence of nutrition on brain plasticity and function, which in turn is associated with chronic pain in the population with cancer, it becomes relevant to focus on the association between pain and nutritional aspects in this population. To identify relevant evidence regarding nutrition and chronic pain in patients with cancer/survivors of cancer. Systematic review. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for interventional and experimental studies that included patients with cancer /survivors of cancer with chronic pain, a nutrition-related observation/examination, and a pain-related outcome. Studies that complied with the inclusion and exclusion criteria were screened for methodological quality and risk of bias by using the Qualsyst (standard quality assessment criteria for evaluating primary research) tool. The 2 included studies entailed uncontrolled trials which examined different nutritional supplements usage in various patients with cancer (breast, gastrointestinal and gynecological cancers). One study evaluated the effects of vitamin C, but did not report a change in pain outcomes. The other study, looking at the nutritional supplements glucosamine and chondroitin, found an improvement in pain after 12- and 24 weeks. The limitations to the generalization of these results include the insufficient amount of eligible studies and diversity in therapeutic interventions and participant groups. The association between nutrition and chronic pain in patients with cancer /survivors of cancer is not well documented. The available studies are uncontrolled, and are therefore limited to draw firm conclusions. Additional research is highly needed, and a research agenda is proposed within this paper.

Usage of nutritional supplements for individuals with Down syndrome

Usage of nutritional supplements for individuals with Down syndrome

Analysis of dispensing patterns and non-disease specific oral nutritional supplement usage in primary care: the ONSPres project

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The Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Nutritional Habits and Physical Activity Levels

Introduction: In recent years, the use of nutritional supplements (NS) has increased significantly. The aim of this study was to investigate of the differences between using or not NS in the individuals going to the fitness center. Method: The research was conducted on 299 individuals doing sports in private centers. Survey data was collected from the participants who were divided into two groups according to NS usage. Within the scope of the survey, descriptive information of the participants, nutritional habits, nutrient consumption frequencies, 24-hour retrospective food consumption record, nutritional supplements and physical activity conditions of individuals were questioned and anthropometric (height, weight and body mass index (BMI) measurements were recorded. Results: 74 (24.7%) of the participants were using NS, whereas 225 (75.3%) were not using it. Among NS users, 30 (40.5%) of the participants were using protein powder, 17 (23%) were amino acid, 17 (23%) were creatine and 10 (13.5%) were L-carnitine. The sport age, body weight, height and BMI of the individuals using NS were significantly higher than those who were not using NS (p &amp;lt;0.05). According to our study, NS users were consuming meat, meat products and eggs significantly more frequently and sugar and prepared foods less frequently than non-users (p &amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: In our study, it was observed that individuals going to the fitness center changed their lifestyle. It was observed that they used oral nutritional supplements as well as obtaining healthy nutritional habits. Before using NS, it is neccesary to change the nutritional habits and complete the essential needs for our body. Giriş: Son yıllarda, spor yapan bireylerin besin destek ürünleri (BDÜ) kullanımı önemli bir artış göstermektedir. Bu çalışmamızın amacı, spor salonuna giden bireylerde BDÜ kullanan ve kullanmayanlar arasındaki farklılıkların incelenmesidir. Yöntem: Araştırma, özel merkezlerde spor yapan 299 kişi üzerinde yapılmıştır. Katılımcılar, BDÜ kullananlar ve kullanmayanlar olmak üzere 2 gruba ayrılmıştır. Veriler bir anket ile kaydedilmiştir. Anket kapsamında bireylerin tanımlayıcı bilgileri, beslenme alışkanlıkları, besin tüketim sıklıkları, 24 saatlik geriye dönük besin tüketimi kaydı, kullanılan besin destek ürünleri ve fiziksel aktivite durumları sorgulanmış ve bireylerin antropometrik (boy, kilo ve beden kitle indeksi (BKİ)) ölçümleri yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Katılımcıların, 74’ü (%24,7) BDÜ kullanmakta, 225’i (%75,3) kullanmamaktadır. BDÜ kullanan katılımcılardan 30’u (%40,5) protein tozu, 17’si (%23) aminoasit, 17’si (%23) kreatin ve 10’u (%13,5) L-karnitin kullanmaktadır. BDÜ kullanan bireylerin spor yaşları, vücut ağırlıkları, boyları ve BKİ’leri kullanmayanlara göre anlamlı bir şekilde yüksekti (p&amp;lt;0,05). BDÜ kullananların, kullanmayanlara göre et ve et ürünleri ile yumurtayı anlamlı bir şekilde daha sık, şeker ve hazır gıdaları ise daha az sıklıkta tükettikleri tespit edilmiştir (p&amp;lt;0,05). Sonuç: Çalışmamızda, spor salonuna giden bireylerin yaşam şekillerini değiştirdikleri gözlenmiştir. Beslenme alışkanlığının yanı sıra beslenme destek ürünü kullandıkları görülmüştür. BDÜ kullanımı öncesinde beslenme alışkanlıklarının değiştirilmesi ve vücudumuz için gerekli ihtiyaçları tamamlamamız gerekir.

A survey of the attitudes and knowledge of parents of high school children on the East Rand on the usage of nutritional supplements

Background: The use of nutritional supplements (NS) by adolescents seems to be an escalating problem in South Africa. Any supplementary product ingested to boost the nutritional content of a normal diet to either fill a need or presumed deficiency, including any sports or energy drink, tablets or injections, are deemed as NS for the purpose of this study. Parents seem to agree that children who play sport are allowed to use NS to assist them to perform better, without knowledge of the health risks associated with these products. Despite information on websites and information sessions arranged by schools, parents seem to disregard advice given to them by experts. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the attitudes and level of knowledge of parents of children on the East Rand with regard to NS usage. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which used a previously validated, self-administered questionnaire for the parents (n = 198). It also included an interview with a focus group consisting of coaches and administrative staff (n = 9) representing each sports code selected for the purpose of this study. The data were analysed using largely descriptive statistics. Results: Nine percent of parents indicated that they considered themselves well informed with regard to NS; 13% indicated that they would support their children in obtaining NS without efficacy being proven and 75% indicated their awareness of the risk of NS being contaminated. Coaches viewed the role of parents as integral regarding a healthy diet but indicated that the use of NS could not be ignored, also admitting to a lack in knowledge regarding NS. Conclusion: Parents and coaches demonstrated limited knowledge regarding NS. Their knowledge was formed from information on labels and the internet. Parents have a positive attitude towards the use of NS by their children despite indicating an awareness of the health risks related to NS usage.

Use of nutritional supplements by Danish elite athletes and fitness customers.

The nutritional supplement (NS) industry is one of the fastest growing in the world, and NS use in Denmark is among the highest in Europe. However, the exact use in elite athletes and fitness customers targeted for doping control is unknown. Information from 634 doping control forms obtained in 2014 was evaluated (elite athletes: n=361; fitness customers: n=273). The majority of female (92.6%) and male (85.0%) elite athletes and female (100.0%) and male (94.0%) fitness customers declared using one or more NS. The use of non-ergogenic NS was more prevalent in women than in men and in younger (15-34years) compared with older (35-49years) subjects, but it was less prevalent in intermittent compared with endurance and power/strength sports. Additionally, fitness customers who tested positive for doping also reported using more NS than subjects testing negative, indicating an association between NS and doping abuse. The present results demonstrate a very high prevalence of NS usage in both elite athletes and fitness customers. This highlights the importance of a strong national regulation of NS to avoid contamination of NS with doping substances.

Nutritional supplement-usage associated characteristics of high-performing athletes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse differences in sociodemographic and sporting characteristics, health-behaviours, and food intake of athletes using and not using nutritional supplements (NS). Design/methodology/approach – High-performance Portuguese athletes from 13 sports completed a NS usage questionnaire, assessing information on sociodemographic (sex, age, height, weight, athlete’s, and parental education level), health-related (smoking, daily time of sleeping, walking, and sitting), and sporting (type, number of international performances, weekly hours of training and weekly hours of gym) characteristics; and a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (86 items), regarding the previous 12 months. Findings – From the 241 athletes (66 per cent males, 13-37 years), 64 per cent reported NS use. Supplement usage was associated with age 18 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.57, 95 per cent; confidence interval (CI) 1.17-5.65), performing individual sports (OR 5.45, 95 per cent; CI 2.49-11.93) and &gt; 2 h gym/week (OR 2.42, 95 per cent; CI 1.15-5.11), a higher consumption of meat (OR 2.83, 95 per cent; CI 1.36-5.90), eggs (OR 2.53, 95 per cent; CI 1.07-5.96), and yogurt (OR 2.24, 95 per cent; CI 1.08-4.62), and a lower intake of processed meat (OR 0.32, 95 per cent; CI 0.15-0.72), vegetable oils (OR 0.35, 95 per cent; CI 0.17-0.74), margarine (OR 0.37, 95 per cent; CI 0.18-0.76), chips (OR 0.22, 95 per cent; CI 0.10-0.48), and fast food (OR 0.42, 95 per cent; CI 0.19-0.91). Originality/value – Athletes using NS had different characteristics from non-users, and seemed to have healthier and more sports-oriented food choices. Our findings may help sport and health professionals to identify an alleged or future NS user, enabling the development of a timely and self-directed supplement scheme.

A survey of the attitudes and knowledge of parents of high school children on the East Rand on the usage of nutritional supplements

Background: The use of nutritional supplements (NS) by adolescents seems to be an escalating problem in South Africa. Any supplementary product ingested to boost the nutritional content of a normal diet to either fill a need or presumed deficiency, including any sports or energy drink, tablets or injections, are deemed as NS for the purpose of this study. Parents seem to agree that children who play sport are allowed to use NS to assist them to perform better, without knowledge of the health risks associated with these products. Despite information on websites and information sessions arranged by schools, parents seem to disregard advice given to them by experts. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the attitudes and level of knowledge of parents of children on the East Rand with regard to NS usage. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which used a previously validated, self-administered questionnaire for the parents (n = 198). It also included an interview with a focus group consisting of coaches and administrative staff (n = 9) representing each sports code selected for the purpose of this study. The data were analysed using largely descriptive statistics. Results: Nine percent of parents indicated that they considered themselves well informed with regard to NS; 13% indicated that they would support their children in obtaining NS without efficacy being proven and 75% indicated their awareness of the risk of NS being contaminated. Coaches viewed the role of parents as integral regarding a healthy diet but indicated that the use of NS could not be ignored, also admitting to a lack in knowledge regarding NS. Conclusion: Parents and coaches demonstrated limited knowledge regarding NS. Their knowledge was formed from information on labels and the internet. Parents have a positive attitude towards the use of NS by their children despite indicating an awareness of the health risks related to NS usage.