Evaluation of the consumption of nutritional supplements in gyms in the south zone of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Abstract

Nutritional supplement is defined as substances that are added to the diet and they are marketed as ergogenic aids. Even though there are controversies, the supplements increasingly being used by practitioners of physical activity, especially by those that uses the academies for training. In order to evaluate the consumption of ergogenic aids in the gyms of the Southern region of Belo Horizonte city (MG), a sample of 159 practitioners of physical activity were studied. It was verified that 81.2% of the studied population ingest some type of Ergogenic aid. Most of the research participants, declared to use dietary supplements without any professional indication. Amino acids or protein concentrates were the most consumed (37.1%) followed by Creatine (28.6%) and Carbohydrate Drinks (12.8%). Among the 129 participants of the research that consume at least one type of supplement, 63.2% (n = 36) were males and 36.8% (n = 21) were females. The physical activity most practiced among the supplement consumers was the strength training (72%), followed by aerobics (28%). The major part of the respondents was young adults that reside in Belo Horizonte and they are still studying or they concluded the third degree. Considering the high consumption and diversified ergogenic aids available in the market, it is extremely worrying from a nutritional point of view, the explanation on the consequences of the indiscriminate use of those substances as well as to real need of more rigorous regulations for commercialization of such products, not only in respect of the prescription, but also in respect of their efficiency and safety.