Estonian Female Fitness Athletes Sweeteners Consumption Sweeteners in Fitness

Abstract

Background:In fitness the proportional development and toned state of body is evaluated. Fitness athletes monitor balance of macronutrients and calories in their diet, so the usage of low-calorie sweeteners and products sweetened with artificial sweeteners is rising. It is recommended to treat sweeteners with caution. The aim of study was to identify sweeteners consumption habits of 35 Estonian female competing fitness athletes.Methods: A questionnaire was used. Descriptive statistics, t-test, or Exact test where applied for comparison of studied groups (p<0.05).Results: Approximately⅔ of participants consume sweeteners (stevia 73.1% of participants, sucralose 69.2%, aspartame 50%) and sweetened products (bars, BCAAs, puddings, protein powders and flavour drops) on a daily basis and on average 2-3 times per day. Sweetener-users compared to non-users (p=0.015) find sweeteners healthier than sugar; consume as an alternative to table sugar due to their low calorific value (88.5%) and for suppressing sugar craving (80.8%) more during competition period. Although participants are aware of health risks associated with sweeteners, they still believe that they are safe in reasonable amounts. Conclusion:In conclusion, sweeteners are popular alternative among Estonian female fitness athletes.