Sex and age are associated with the use of specific dietary supplements among people exercising in gyms: Cross-sectional analysis from Amman,Jordan

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

People who engage in regular sport activities in commercial gyms usually consume dietary supplements without proper advice from health care professionals. Little is known about use of specific type of dietary supplements and factors associated with their use among people who exercise in gyms.

OBJECTIVES:

The objectives of this research work were to assess the prevalence of dietary supplement intake among people exercising in gyms and its influencing factors, to evaluate the use of specific type of dietary supplements and its association with sex and age.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 22 gyms. Data were collected form 367 exercisers. Chi-square was used to study relationship between intake of dietary supplement and factors related to its use.

RESULTS:

The intake of dietary supplements was reported by 49% of the participants. The most frequent used supplements were: vitamin D (42%), protein powder (33.1%), vitamin B12 (30.4%), omega-3 (26.5%), vitamin C (26.0%), calcium (21.5%), iron (21.0%), branched chain amino acids (17.1%), vitamin E (16.1%), and multi- vitamins and minerals (16.0%). Age and self-perception of overall diet (P = 0.026) were associated with the overall use of dietary supplements. Type of used supplements differed by sex and age groups. Males took protein powder (P < 0.001), branched chain amino acids (P < 0. 001), energy drinks (P = 0.001), and Brewer’s yeast (P = 0.02). Whereas, females consumed more antioxidants (P = 0.036), vitamin D (P < 0.001), calcium (P = 0.001), and iron (P = 0.002). Participants older than 40 years consumed more (P < 0.05) vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, B-complex, vitamin B12, folic acid and calcium, and less protein powder (P = 0.024) in comparison to youngers.

CONCLUSION:

More than 40% of people exercising in gyms reported using dietary supplements. The use of specific dietary supplements was associated with sex and age.

Keywords

Dietary supplements exercise gyms Amman

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