The aim of this study was to analyze the anthropometric characteristics and sport supplement (SS) consumption patterns of heavyweight and lightweight international rowers. Methods: The 13 heavyweights (11 males) and seven lightweights (five males) of the Spanish National Rowing Team were recruited for the study. Body composition was measured by bio-impedance analysis, and the questionnaire used in this investigation was previously validated to assess SS consumption. According to anthropometrics parameters, it was reported that male heavyweight rowers were heavier (p < 0.001) and taller (p < 0.001), but no statistical differences were reported for % body fat (p = 0.104) or % lean body mass (p = 0.161). All rowers reported consumption of at least one SS. Based on the Australian Institute of Sport’s classification, higher medical supplement consumption was observed when comparing heavyweight rowers to lightweight rowers (2.5 ± 1.1 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5, p = 0.040). There were no differences in the totals of group A (strong scientific evidence for sports scenarios, p = 0.069), group B (emerging scientific support, deserving of further research, p = 0.776), or group C (scientific evidence not supportive of benefit and/or security amongst athletes, p = 0.484). The six most consumed SSs were iron (85%), caffeine (85%), β-alanine (85%), energy bars (85%), vitamin supplements (80%), and isotonic drinks (80%), with no statistical differences between heavyweight and lightweight rowers (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the absence of differences in body composition (expressed as a percentage) do not represent anthropometric disadvantages for heavyweight rowers. In addition, SS consumption was similar between rowers, reporting only higher medical supplement consumption in heavyweight rowers.

La finalidad de este estudio fue comparar la suplementación nutricional en remeros de élite nacionales e internacionales. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 20 remeros de élite (23.2 años ± 3.1), 4 mujeres y 16 hombres, pertenecientes a la Selección Española Absoluta de Remo. Mediante una bioimpedancia eléctrica tetrapolar se obtuvieron los datos antropométricos de la muestra. A través de un cuestionario, previamente validado, se adquirieron los datos relevantes al consumo de suplementos nutricionales deportivos (SND). Se obtuvieron valores para altura (1.84 ± 0.08 m); peso (81.4 ± 9.9 kg); y porcentaje graso (16 ± 4.5 %). Todos afirmaron haber consumido algún tipo de SND, y se hallaron diferencias significativas (p≤0.005, Ô= 3.155) entre sujetos nacionales (n = 5) (7.6 SND por sujeto) e internacionales (n = 15) (17.87 SND por sujeto). Los SND más consumidos fueron: hierro (85%), cafeína (85%), beta alanina (85%), barritas energéticas (85%), complejos vitamínicos (80%) y bebidas isotónicas (80%). Existe un alto consumo de SND por la muestra, principalmente internacionales. Toda la muestra respeta la legalidad en los suplementos consumidos y la finalidad principal de su uso fue la de mejorar su rendimiento deportivo. Es importante promover el uso efectivo y eficiente de los SND, a través de un mayor control, e informando a los deportistas sobre los riesgos que pueden derivar del uso de éstos.Abstract. The purpose of this study was to compare nutritional supplementation in national and international elite rowers. The sample consisted of 20 elite rowers (23.2 years ± 3.1), 4 women and 16 men, belonging to the Spanish Absolute Rowing Team. By a tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance, the anthropometric data of the sample were obtained. Through a questionnaire, previously validated, data relevant to the consumption of sports nutritional supplements (SND) were acquired. Values were obtained for height (1.84 ± 0.08 m); weight (81.4 ± 9.9 kg); and fat percentage (16 ± 4.5%). 100% sample answered to have consumed some type of SND, and significant differences were found (p≤0.005, Ô = 3.155) between national subjects (n = 5) (7.6 SND per subject) and international subjects (n = 15) (17.87 SND per subject). The most consumed SND were: iron (85%), caffeine (85%), beta alanine (85%), energy bars (85%), vitamin complexes (80%) and isotonic drinks (80%). There is a high consumption of SND by the sample, mainly international. 100% respects the legality of the supplements consumed and the main purpose of its use was to improve its athletic performance. It is important to promote the effective and efficient use of SNDs, through greater control, and informing athletes about the risks that may arise from their use.