Dietary supplements and medications in elite sport – polypharmacy or real need?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe qualitatively and quantitatively dietary supplements (DS) and medication use in elite athletes. Athletes (n=912; age 23.9 ± 6 years; 72% male) reported medications and DSs taken within 3 days before doping control. We analyzed data collected from 2006 to 2008, identified and classified substances. Total of 74.6% athletes reported use of at least one substance, 61.2% took DS (3.17 per user) and 40.6% took medications. Among users, 21.2% reported the use of six and more different products, and one took 17 different products at the same time. Majority of medication users took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) (24.7%), and 22.2% used more than one NSAID. We found no gender differences in DS use (P=0.83). Individual sport athletes used more DS (P<0.01). Our study showed widespread use of DS and drugs by elite athletes. Consumption of DS with no evident performance or health benefits, demonstrated the need for specific educational programs focused on DS use. Amount, quantity and combination of the reported products raised concern about the risk of potential side effects.

Use of dietary supplements among Brazilian athletes

“…According to Suzic Lazic et al [27] and Bishop [28], a possible reason is that even a small advantage can make a difference in individual sport outcomes, unlike team sports, in which individual performance often does not reflect the performance of the team. Therefore, supplement intake is expected to be higher among athletes in individual sports.…”

The Effect of Ergogenic Supplements and Mediterranean Diet on Cycling Performance. Differences According to Duration and Intensity.

“…The prevalence of dietary supplementation among elite athletes falls in the range of 62-91% for athletes under 20 years of age [9,22,23,56], and 51-99% for elite adult athletes [9,21,23,36,83,87].…”

The Tendency of Individuals Actively Involving in Exercise in Private Sports Centers to Use Nutritional Supplements

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