Dietary supplement use and its associated factors among gym users in Southern Brazil

Objective Dietary supplement use is popular among gym users. However, there is a lack of understanding about their use. This study investigated the relationship between dietary supplement use and associated factors among gym users from Southern Brazil. Methods This is a cross-sectional study including gym users (n = 543; 18-59 years old). Subjects answered an online questionnaire concerning demographic, lifestyle and sports practice questions, and dietary supplement use. Pearson chi-square test was used with a significance level of p Results The prevalence of dietary supplement use was 36.5%. Supplement users were mostly men (54.5%; p < .001), exercised 3-5 times a week (73.2%; p < .001) and had trained for longer than one year (55.4%, p < .05). Men reported more frequently self-prescribed dietary supplement use (42.6%), while women reported supplements use prescribed by nutritionists (35.6%; p < .01). The use to gain mass (p < .05), to improve performance (p < .01), and to improve body aesthetics (p < .05) were associated with sex. Supplements categorized as sport foods (84.3%; p < .05) were the most frequently consumed supplements by both sexes. Conclusion Supplement users were more likely to be men, to use sport foods, and to have as a goal to increase muscle mass. Moreover, men are more likely to self-prescribe dietary supplements, while women tend to obtain information from nutritionists.