Periodontal status of 33-44-year-old male bodybuilders and its relationship with protein supplement intake: An observational comparative study

Background: Periodontal disease is a highly prevalent oral disease that affects more than half of the global adult population. The role of protein supplements (PSs) in bodybuilding has been studied extensively, but there are no studies done that assessed periodontal health and its relationship of protein intake among bodybuilders. This study aims to assess the periodontal status in 35-44-year-old bodybuilders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the city of Jeddah among 35-44-year-old male bodybuilders and non-bodybuilders. Bodybuilders were identified and recruited from different fitness and gymnasium centres that satisfied the inclusion criteria. A pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used for collecting the information. Periodontal status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and loss of attachment (LOA). Results: The CPI scores were comparatively lesser (11.34 +/- 4.6) in bodybuilders than non-bodybuilders and it was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in CPI scores between tobacco users and non-users among bodybuilders. The prevalence of periodontal pockets of 4-5 mm in non-body builders was 80.7% and in bodybuilders, it was 49.1% (odds ratio = 4.33 (1.865-10.085), P < 0.001). A positive correlation was observed between average PSs intake and periodontal pocket of 4-5 mm (r = 0.335, P < 0.05); frequency of PS intake and 4-5 mm pockets (r = 0.494, P < 0.001); duration of PS (r = 0.438, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The periodontal health was significantly better in bodybuilders despite the smoking status, and this cannot be only attributed to PS intake. There could be a relationship with protein intake, but there is a need for wider interventional studies in a prospective manner.