Use of dietary supplements by swimming athletes

Abstract

Introduction: Dietary supplements are widely known for athletesand are often used, even without guidance from a nutritionist, without accurate knowledge of the operation and benefits of the substance in order to improve performance in sports. Aim: To evaluate the use of dietary supplements by athletes swimming. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive, field and quantitative approach which was attended by 56 athletes from the youth team and junior swimming three big clubs from São Paulo. Questionnaire related to supplementsuse habits was answered. The results were grouped by category, where: Category A -Youth (15 and 16 years) and Category B -Junior (17, 18 and19). Discussion: Almost all athletes made use of supplements, 95 % in category A and 100 % in category B. The prevalent time of useis three years or more. As for goals, it highlights increase performance in sports, 68 % and 78% of category A category B Results: The most commonly used supplements are carbohydrates, proteins , BCAA, vitamins and minerals and creatine. The least used and glutamine supplements are thermogenic. The prescription is driven mostly by nutritionists, about 80 %, despite a significant percentage of prescriptions. Conclusion: In most respondents athletes use supplements and consider it important that this policy be taken by nursing professional.