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Current Nutrition & Food Science

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ISSN (Print): 1573-4013
ISSN (Online): 2212-3881

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Research Article

Prevalence and Attitudes Towards Using Protein Supplements Among Female Gym Users: An Online Survey

Author(s): Maha H. Alhussain*, Waad S. Abdulhalim, Laila Naif Al-harbi and Manal Abdulaziz Binobead

Volume 18, Issue 4, 2022

Published on: 03 January, 2022

Page: [410 - 418] Pages: 9

DOI: 10.2174/1573401317666211007125615

Price: $65

Abstract

Background: Protein supplements have become a widespread practice amongst athletes and gym users worldwide. However, studies on the use of protein supplements among female gym users in Saudi Arabia are lacking.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of protein supplement usage among female gym users and their attitudes towards protein supplementation in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 502 female gym users aged ≥18 years completed a structured, self-administered online questionnaire on the usage of protein supplementation. Socio- demographic information, anthropometry, health status, exercise frequency, attitudes and knowledge regarding protein supplements were obtained.

Results: The overall prevalence rate of protein supplement use among the study respondents was 36.3%. There were significant associations between the use of protein supplements and educational level (p< 0.05), the duration of being a gym member (p< 0.05) and frequency of gym visits per week (p< 0.05). Whey protein was the predominantly used supplement (57.8%), and the reason attributed to the use of protein supplement was muscle building (53.9%). The main sources of information regarding protein supplement use included the internet (30.2%) followed by gym coaches (25.3%).

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that a considerable number of females exercising in gyms use protein supplements, and most rely on unreliable sources for decision-making of protein supplements use. Nutritional education and consultations regarding protein supplement use are warranted.

Keywords: Protein supplements, prevalence, attitudes, whey protein, gym users, questionnaire.

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Graphical Abstract

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