Use of dietary supplements by athletes of the basic categories of the chapecoense football association

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the use of dietary supplements by athletes of the basic categories of the Chapecoense Football Association. The sample consisted of 67 male athletes aged between 15 to 20 years. A questionnaire containing 19 closed and open questions was used in order to know the type of food supplement consumed, the purpose, quantity, form of indication, prescription and period of use. The results showed that 92,53% of the athletes use a dietary supplement and 31.34% use only during periods of competition. The most commonly used food supplement belongs to the protein category (71.64%), The main consumption objective being recovery (44.78%). As for the time of use of food supplement, 32.83% of athletes consume less than 30 days and 40.30% are using the same product for less than a month. When the form of indication for the use of supplement was analyzed, 86.57% of the athletes were guided by a professional, of these 68.66% were indicated by the nutritionist of the Club. Analyzing the results, it can be concluded that most athletes use dietary supplements to improve their performance in the field, in addition to supplying their energy demands. However, one can see how much the nutritionist's performance in the Club was fundamental for athletes to follow the correct indications, making use of only necessary nutritional supplements and in short periods, without compromising their health.