Nutritional Supplements consumption by bodybuilders of Sao Carlos-SP

Abstract

Introduction: Adequate nutrition is a determining factor for good life quality and improved physical performance. The lack of knowledge about Nutritional Supplements (NS) associated with prescription not qualified professionals, self prescription or indication friends are worrying factors may be at risk to the health of the individual. Objective: To investigate the use and knowledge of NS to individuals who perform strength training in São Carlos-SP. Results: The mean age of the participants was 27.9 years (± 9.66). 54.5% of respondents have completed secondary education and 31.8% university degree. 64% reported consuming the NS, regardless of the type and class or purpose of consumption. It was observed that consumption was 77% higher among men compared to women. Regarding the assessment of the amount of consumed NS, 64.1% of subjects reported consuming 1-3 types. The most consumed NS were protein, especially whey protein (84%) and Chain Amino Acids-Brached (57%), less than half of the volunteers reported consuming Creatine (44%) and maltodextrin (28%). It was possible to notice a difference between the genders regarding the third most consumed supplement because among men was creatine and among women was caffeine. Discussion and Conclusion: Most young adults bodybuilding practitioners consumes SA. The prescription of these is still performed by unqualified practitioners. Which demonstrates the increased demand for skilled and qualified professionals in sports nutrition to guide, prescribe and supervise adequately the food supplementation in sports environments.