Consumption of sports supplements in university rowers

Abstract

Introduction: The use of sports supplements (SD) is very common among athletes. In recent years the prevalence of consumption has been increasing. However, not all SD provide the benefits that we are find when we deciding to use this type of substance. That is why scientific entities have been its focus in the evaluation of SD and classifications have been created for scientific evidence, as well as in the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The elite rowers training activities focused on the development of aerobic and anaerobic capacity, so the use of suitable SD could improve the performance of these athletes.

Objective: Determine the prevalence of SD consumption in university rowers and to evaluate the grade of evidence of SD consumption.

Method: Descriptive and transversal study in which have participated 14 rowers that shape the University of Alicante’s rower team. A previously validated questionnaire was applied to collect the data about SD consumption.

Results: The SD most consumed were: caffeine (81%), whey protein (75%), creatine monohydrate (62.5%), energy bars (56.3%), isotonic drink (50%) and BCAA (43, 7%). The main purpose of its use was to improve athletic performance, and only 33% were advised by a dietitian-nutritionist.

Conclusion: Most SD that rowers used have scientific support. So, it would be interesting if more research were carried out in this population.