Analysis of the use of nutritional supplements in gyms in Coquimbo, Chile

Abstract

Nutritional science is a crucial component for improving health and sports performance. The use of nutritional supplements (NS) has increased considerably in recent years. Studies show high consumption of nutritional supplements that lack scientific evidence and could be putting the health of the population at risk. The objective was to analyze the use of NS in clients of a gymnasium franchise in the Coquimbo Region of Chile during 2016. Was applied to 359 clients (191 men and 168 women) a previously validated survey in four locations of a gymnasium franchise in the Coquimbo Region. The median age of the sample population was 28±10.1 years and 43.2% of the population had used NS. The main goal of the NS users was to increase muscle mass (32%); the most commonly used NSs were whey protein (72.9%), branched-chain amino acids (21.9%), and glutamine (9.7%). Of the 26 types of NS consumed, 50% are classified as type C, that is, there exists little evidence regarding their benefits. Two variables showed statistical significance for the use of NS: hours of training, and the person who had recommended the NS to the user. This information supports the importance of specialized nutritional assessment for the population to avoid ineffective and harmful products.

Nutritional science is a crucial component for improving health and sports performance. The use of nutritional supplements (NS) has increased considerably in recent years. Studies show high consumption of nutritional supplements that lack scientific evidence and could be putting the health of the population at risk. The objective was to analyze the use of NS in clients of a gymnasium franchise in the Coquimbo Region of Chile during 2016. Was applied to 359 clients (191 men and 168 women) a previously validated survey in four locations of a gymnasium franchise in the Coquimbo Region. The median age of the sample population was 28±10.1 years and 43.2% of the population had used NS. The main goal of the NS users was to increase muscle mass (32%); the most commonly used NSs were whey protein (72.9%), branched-chain amino acids (21.9%), and glutamine (9.7%). Of the 26 types of NS consumed, 50% are classified as type C, that is, there exists little evidence regarding their benefits. Two variables showed statistical significance for the use of NS: hours of training, and the person who had recommended the NS to the user. This information supports the importance of specialized nutritional assessment for the population to avoid ineffective and harmful products.