USE OF PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS AND DIETARY BEHAVIOUR: RESULTS OF A SURVEY ON PEOPLE ATTENDING COMMERCIAL GYMS IN ITALY

Abstract

Introduction Nutrition is traditionally perceived as a crucial component of physical fitness and performance. In the last few decades, the increasing understanding of human nutrition and exercise physiology has showed that a wise management of nutrient intake could positively affect fitness improvements and sport performance. The aim of this study was to examine the use of dietary supplements and diet behavior amongst regular fitness centers users in Italy. Methods A specific questionnaire was generated for the experimentation. The data were collected using the face-to-face interview method. Only strength and conditioning classes participants were included in the selection criteria. Training information have been collected from 800 regular fitness center attendees; 207 of them were selected for the study. Analysis: Significance differences were assessed by one-way ANOVA, Kruskall-Wallis, chi-square test or exact test of Fisher when appropriate. Results Dietary supplements proved to be used by 30.1% of the respondents. Use of supplements was lasting on average 2.6±3.3 years without any significant difference by gender. Whey protein shakes (50.0%) mixed with creatine and amino-acids (48.3%) was the most frequent choice among users. Supplement non-users consumed more snacks and bakery than users per week (P < 0.001). Conclusions A considerable number of regular strength training subjects consume protein supplements mixed with other supplements and high-protein foods, in particular meat. We emphasize the importance of the dissemination of scientifically based information about supplementation in the fitness centers and the promotion of updated education programs for fitness instructors. References Morrison LJ, Gizis F, Shorter B. Prevalent use of dietary supplements among people who exercise at a commercial gym. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2004 Aug;14(4):481-92. Goston JL, Correia MI. Intake of nutritional supplements among people exercising in gyms and influencing factors. Nutrition 2010; Jun:26, 604–611. Molinero O, Márquez S. Use of nutritional supplements in sports: risks, knowledge, and behaviouralrelated factors. Nutr Hosp. 2009 Mar-Apr;24(2):128-34.