Food supplements intake among gymgoers: A cross-sectional study using thePILATES questionnaire

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate food supplement intake among gym-goers.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study, using a validated questionnaire, was conducted. All participants were gym-goers who voluntarily enrolled from eight selected gyms in Perugia. A multivariate regression analysis was performed.

Findings

In our sample, 44.9per cent (n = 57) of participants consumed dietary supplements, at least once a week, with no association with sex (p = 0.5) and educational level (p = 0.4). Supplements intake was statistically significant and associated with very low intake of mineral water (p = 0.01), diet specific for fitness programmes (p < 0.01), information about nutrition from personal trainers (p < 0.01), frequency of physical activity (p = 0.01), society’s attention to nutrition (p = 0.04) and marginally with frequency of weigh control (p = 0.05).

Originality/value

Food supplements intake seems to be extensively used among gym-goers, and it seems related to information about nutrition from personal trainers. However, specialized personnel, such as dietitian or nutritionist, should supervise supplements intake.

Citation

Gianfredi, V., Ceccarelli, F., Villarini, M., Moretti, M. and Nucci, D. (2020), "Food supplements intake among gymgoers: A cross-sectional study using thePILATES questionnaire", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 50 No. 1, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-01-2019-0004