Consumo de suplementos nutricionais por praticantes de exercícios físicos em uma academia de ginástica na cidade de Nova Palmeira - PB.

Abstract

The term health in the world today is assuming great relevance associated with greater emphasis on good looks rather than good nutrition. The search for health maintenance, based mainly on body image through "physical performance" has been stimulating individuals to practice various modalities of physical exercises within the academies. Food supplements and other substances marketed in Brazil, mainly for the purpose of increasing muscle mass, have been offered in a high way, perhaps due to the absence of legislation that is more offensive and restricted to sales prescriptions by qualified professionals. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the main types of nutritional supplements consumed by physical exercise practitioners in a gymnasium in the city of new palm tree - PB and which professionals guide this consumption. The sample consisted of physical activity practitioners, with 50 participants of both sexes. A standardized multiple choice questionnaire was used to collect data for physical activity practitioners (aerobics and bodybuilding). The applied questionnaire addressed issues that involved: sociodemographic characterization, physical exercise, type of physical exercise, knowledge about diet, knowledge about supplements and body evolution, and whether the participant was affected by any chronic illness. The statistical tool employed was Microsoft Office Excel 2007. It was found that 76% (n = 19) of the male evaluated did not use dietary supplements, adding only 24% (n = 6) who used supplements. Regarding the female sex, 88% (n = 22) do not consume food supplements, adding up to only 12% (n = 3) of those who consume. Regarding the indication, it prevailed at the initiative itself, with 16% (n = 4) for men and 8% (n = 2) for women. The research showed that the consumption of dietary supplements was well below expectations compared to other studies, given the fashions and the offer of these products in the market, as well as the ease of purchase.