Current perceptions and usage practices of nutritional supplements

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to investigate current perceived role of nutritional supplements in adolescent (16-18 years) male rugby players and establish usage practices within Kwazulu Natal(KZN) schools.Methods The nutritional supplementation practices of 68 rugby players from 7 KZN secondaryschools were surveyed using an anonymous paper-based questionnaire. The boys were askedto identify from a list (with Other as a selection) which supplement they used, the frequency of use, sources of supplement information and advice they base their choices on, where products were bought from, reasons for use, average monthly spend on buying these supplements, whether dietary changes were made in conjunction with taking a supplement and what was their understanding of the role of supplementation in achieving their performance goals.Results Sixty eight out of 236 invited participants completed the questionnaire. This translated into a response rate of 29%. Fifty four percent of participants admitted to using nutritional supplements, protein and creatine being the most popular products listed (43% and 22% of supplement users, respectively). Thirty five percent of supplement users supplemented daily and 24% supplemented 3-4 times per week. Friends were the most popular source of advice andinformation regarding nutritional supplements 32% (n=12), with supplement company representatives the next most commonly used source 22% (n=8). Seventy percent (n=26) of supplements are bought from a pharmacy, with an average monthly cost of R250, but ranging from R30 to as much as R1500 per month. Seventy percent (n=26) indicated that they also made dietary changes in addition to taking the nutritional supplement. These dietary changes included making healthier food choices 81% (n=21), increasing intake of protein foods 65%(n=17), planned snacks around exercise 35% (n=9), increasing carbohydrate-rich foods 62%(n=16), increasing fruit and vegetable intake 50% (n=13), and including snacks between meals35% (n=9). The study participants rated practice sessions and weight training as most important in terms of helping them achieve their goals; diet, rest and supplements were similarly ranked asbeing between fairly to very important. Twenty two percent admitted that they would considertaking an illegal supplement if it would assist them in achieving their goals.ConclusionsThis study indicates that at least half of rugby-playing school boys (age 16-18 yrs) are makinguse of some form of supplementation, with protein and creatine supplementation being the mostpopular. The data indicate that rugby-playing school boys see their peers as a good source ofinformation, and are willing to spend a large amount of money obtaining it (about R250 permonth on average). This is concerning as peer pressure combined with lack of knowledge onnutritional supplement usage (and nutrition) can lead to widespread misuse of supplements, andpotential detrimental side-effects in this young study population. However it highlights the valuethat school-level educational programmes (age and sport specific) can have in improvingsupplement usage practices and creating sound nutritional practices amongst this population,better equipping them at making informed decisions. In addition, educational programmesshould be extended to other influential sources of information such as school coaches, teachersand parents.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University