2016, Volume 8, Issue 4

Preferences in the use of nutritional supplements and the correctness of their selection for training purposes

Robert Korczak¹, Marek Kruszewski¹, Artur Kruszewski ¹, Stanisław Kuźmicki¹, Agnieszka Olszewska¹, Grzegorz Kępa¹, Karol Landowski<sup>1

1</sup>Department of Combat Sports and Weightlifting, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education


Author for correspondence: Marek Kruszewski; Department of Combat Sports and Weightlifting, Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education; email: marek.kruszewski[at]awf.edu.pl; dr.makrus[at]wp.pl

Full text

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the preferences in the use of nutritional supplements and the correctness of their selection in training among recreational athletes attending classes at the gym.

Material/Methods: A group 169 of recreational athletes was surveyed in "AWF Warszawa" and "Warszawianka" gyms; they were 26.6 years old ±6.48 yrs and had 4 years ±4.57 of training experience. The diagnostic survey method was used, with questionnaires developed by the authors of this study.

Results: A significantly smaller proportion of respondents declared the use of supplements. The supplementation declared most often involved the use of chain amino acids (BCAA), high-protein supplements and creatine. A small proportion of the respondents declared the use of carbohydrate supplements. Respondents declared taking more than one supplement at the same time. Most often the protein supplements were combined with BCAA, creatine, vitamins and minerals. A lack of knowledge manifested itself in many declarations such as taking supplements with similar composition at the same time, the consumption of excessive doses of certain substances, not knowing rules for maintaining the correct proportions of the basic ingredients of a diet or a need for supplementation with certain substances, depending on the type of exercise. Athletes wanted to achieve one to two training goals in their classes, but the selection of supplements to help achieve these goals was wrong. There was no significant preference given to the type of exercise (aerobic, strength), indicating that many types of exercise were to be implemented in parallel during one training session.

Conclusions: The use of supplements among recreational athletes is not as widespread as is commonly thought. The declared supplementation had a standard structure. The number of substances used at the same time is lower than in athletes in high sports classes. A widespread lack of knowledge of the training process can eliminate the effects of supplementation. It can also cause harm to health and nutritional deficiencies. The implementation of properly selected training goals may be impossible when supplementation is chosen poorly. Although it is permissible to perform different types of exercise in a training session, the exercise choices made by recreational athletes often seem accidental.

Key words: physical activity, supplements, training