Prevalence of nutritional supplements in gyms

Abstract

The abuse of all types of supplements to improve sport performance and physical fi tness has spread to regularly gym users. The most appealing supplements are those that claim to help build muscle, improve endurance and reduce body fat. The aim of this study to evaluate the intake of nutritional and dietary supplements among males from four gyms in Kurukshetra, Haryana (India). Two hundred and seventy-three users of above 16 years completed a self-administered questionnaire that had been pilot-tested to ensure clarity and to eliminate open-ended questions. Out of total sample 63.8% had used 14 different supplements in past 6 months with each individual consuming a mean of 2.6 (range 1-6) supplements. The most commonly used supplements were glucose (36.9%), multivitamins (32.8%), calcium tablets (20.2%), protein powder (20.4%) and ayurvedic medicines (15.7%). Coaches/instructors, friends and gym fallow were the major source of information for these supplements and 91.2% were unaware that supplementation can have adverse effects. The majority (97.4%) did not report any adverse effects whereas male (16-25 years) were buying anabolic steroids and cheaper alternatives of viagra (sildenafi l citrate) without any medical prescriptions quite frequently from medicines stores. The prevalence of supplement use in gyms is very high and the knowledge about these products among the users is not adequate. Hence, there is an urgent need to educate the users about these products and all latest scientifi c information should be provided to the users and their trainer.

Hydroxycut – Dietary supplements for weight loss: Can they induce mania?

“…The use of dietary supplements has been steadily increasing in developing countries (Gahche et al, 2011). An Indian study (Malik and Malik, 2010) reported that gym goers using dietary supplements to increase muscle mass and decrease body fats were unaware of their possible side effects. Hydroxycut is a herbal preparation marketed as an aid for weight loss.…”

Prevalence and attitudes towards nutritional supplements use among gymnasium goers in Eldoret Town, Kenya

“…The other nutritional supplements of vitamins, minerals, and botanical products used by gym goers have been reported in previous (Barnes, et al, 2007;Espinoza et al, 2018;Foote et al, 2003;Jawadi, et al, 2017;O'Brien, et al, 2017;Ruano & Teixeira 2020). Indeed, Malik (2017) had reported that 14 different supplements were used by gym goers and it is possible that the gym goers could be using a combination of nutritional supplements.…”

Use of Nutritional Supplements Among Gym Clubs Participants in Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

“…11 Although there are data to support the potential craving for sports drinks, caffeine, and creatine, most of the alleged nutritional supplements have not been defended or verified by scientific studies that they boost athletic performances. 12 Inappropriate uses of these products or contamination may cause possible health issues, and athletes may be at risk of violating anti-doping regulations. 12,13 The usage rate of various nutritional supplements and hormones has publicly been reported worldwide.…”

“…12 Inappropriate uses of these products or contamination may cause possible health issues, and athletes may be at risk of violating anti-doping regulations. 12,13 The usage rate of various nutritional supplements and hormones has publicly been reported worldwide. However, there are scant published data on the general use of these fitness products by the members of the gym in Sulaymaniyah, the Kurdistan Region's intellectual capital.…”