Abstract
Supplementary protein use in gym users is increasing worldwide. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and patterns of the use of protein supplements among Saudi gym users, comparing differences in protein supplement usage between medical students and the general population. Furthermore, we evaluated the knowledge and attitudes of the groups about the potential harms and hazards of the use of protein supplements.
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over a 6-month period. Subjects were randomly recruited from large gyms in Riyadh and were stratified into medical students versus the general population attending gyms. A self-administered questionnaire about protein supplementation was administered to participants. It investigated prevalence and patterns of supplementation, and, doses, types consumed, and general knowledge about protein supplementation.
Overall, 185 participants were enrolled in the study; 39% reported using protein supplements. The prevalence of protein use did not significantly differ between medical students and the general population (P>0.05). "Whey" protein was the most commonly used protein supplement among participants who used protein supplements (91% and 85% of medical students and the general population, respectively). Nine percent of medical students reported that they used more than the daily recommended dose (<2 g/kg/day) compared to 28% of general population gym visitors (P<0.05).
We determined that 39% of gym users used protein supplements; this is much higher than the prevalence rate of 20% reported in previous studies. There was no significant difference in knowledge about protein supplementation between medical students and general population gym users.