Adherence
Dietary supplement use among fitness practitioners is highly prevalent (85.4%) and characterized by high heterogeneity in types and combinations, with no significant difference between gym users and instructors or between competitive and non-competitive participants.
If you are a gym user or instructor, you are part of a large group where 85% use supplements, often mixing various types like whey protein, BCAAs, and vitamins without clear guidelines. This self-directed approach can lead to inconsistent results and potential health risks from contaminants or interactions. To use supplements safely, seek guidance from a healthcare professional or sports nutritionist rather than relying solely on personal choice or advice from other gym-goers.
The results showed a high prevalence in the use of DSs in the population considered, with 85.4% of the participants declaring they used DSs, with high heterogeneity in the numbers and in the combinations used. No differences were found between gym instructors and gym users, or between participants involved and those not involved in competitions.
Why this rating
Cross-sectional observational study with self-reported data; lacks causal inference and objective biomarker validation.
Source
The Use of Dietary Supplements in Fitness Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Observation Study
Massimiliano Mazzilli et al. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2021
DOI 10.3390/ijerph18095005
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →