The age-gender-status profile of high performing athletes in the UK taking nutritional supplements: Lessons for the future
2008

Profile of High Performing Athletes Using Nutritional Supplements in the UK

Sample size: 874 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Petroczi Andrea, Naughton Declan P

Primary Institution: Kingston University

Hypothesis

What is the profile of high-performing athletes in the UK who take nutritional supplements?

Conclusion

High levels of nutritional supplement use among certain athlete groups should be monitored due to the potential link to prohibited substance use.

Supporting Evidence

  • 58.8% of high-performing athletes reported using at least one nutritional supplement.
  • 82.6% of supplement users reported using more than one supplement.
  • Creatine use was predominantly associated with male athletes.

Takeaway

Many athletes in the UK take nutritional supplements, and those who do often use more than one type, which could lead to problems.

Methodology

Survey data from 874 high-performing athletes were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Potential Biases

Potential for underreporting of prohibited substance use due to stigma.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 191 professional athletes and 329 lottery-funded athletes, with a majority being male.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.035

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1550-2783-5-2

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication