Use of dietary and performance-enhancing supplements among male fitness center members in Riyadh: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the health beliefs and patterns of dietary supplement usage among fitness center members. This cross-sectional study was conducted in four large indoor fitness centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This study involved male fitness center members aged ≥18 years with no speech or hearing disabilities. In-person interviews were conducted with fitness center members who agreed to participate using a newly developed questionnaire. Information on participants’ sociodemographics (e.g., age and education), smoking status, health status, exercise frequency, average time spent exercising, different supplements used, used supplements sources, and health beliefs regarding dietary supplements were obtained. A total of 445 fitness center members agreed to participate, and 198 of them reported taking dietary supplements. Most participants were between the age of 18 and 25 years (66%), had a college degree (74%), non-smokers (77%), healthy (84%), and perform exercise at least thrice weekly (52%) for at least 1 hour (63%). The percentage of participants who had favorable health views on dietary supplements was significantly higher among the supplement users than among the non-users (P<0.0001). Proteins, multivitamins, amino acids, and omega 3 fatty acids were the most commonly reported supplements used. Almost 30% of the supplement users reported buying them overseas, 28% online, 25% from a pharmacy or supplement store, 19% from a medical clinic, and 17% from peddlers. Public health campaigns are needed to educate the public on the potential harmful effects of supplements if purchased from an unofficial seller or taken without seeking medical advice before using them.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Use of Protein Supplements among Saudi Adults: Gender Differences

“…In a survey from Riyadh, the majority of young adult males used DS, and the most commonly consumed supplements were proteins (29%) [ 12 ]. Three other reports conducted among members of fitness centers in Riyadh showed that the prevalence of DS consumption was 37.8% [ 13 ], 44.5% [ 14 ], and 47.9% [ 15 ]. However, other reports from different cities in Saudi Arabia showed diverse proportions.…”

“…Whey protein can be rapidly digested and absorbed, and its specific amino acid composition aids in synthesizing muscle proteins [ 22 ]. Recent reports indicate that whey protein was the most commonly used dietary supplement among gymnasium users in Riyadh [ 13 , 14 , 17 , 23 ].…”

General public knowledge and use of dietary supplements in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“…[9] And according to a study by AlRuthia et al , 44.5% of participants were supplement users. [10] In an attempt to improve overall health,[11] nonetheless, consumers tend to not have enough knowledge about said supplements and its usage or if there is an interaction with other food substances, consumers tend to use them without consulting healthcare professionals. [1213] In 2008, in a study by Kennedy et al , most Americans in tandem of conventional medical treatment use vitamin supplements, but only about a third discuss their consumption with a physician.…”

Knowledge and Prevalence of Supplements Used by Brazilian Resistance Training Practitioners Before Coronavirus Outbreak

“…The biggest users are men and young people who use powdered protein supplements to increase muscle mass who get information from accredited nutritionists and consider themselves well informed and buy supplements online. AlRuthia et al 46 warn that public health campaigns are needed to educate the public about the potential harmful effects of DSEA if purchased from unofficial providers or ingested without consulting qualified professionals.…”