CONSUMPTION AND LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT NUTRITIONAL ERGOGENIC RESOURCES IN ATHLETES

The demand for improved performance and body composition changes have motivated the intake of nutritional ergogenic resources (REN) in athletes, promoting the indiscriminate use of these substances without a proper prescription. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of use, the level of knowledge and information sources on anabolic steroid (EA) and REN in a sample of 351 athletes, over 18 years, the city of Vicosa-MG, by semi-structured self-administered. The use of REN was reported by 74% of the sample being male athletes (80%) make more use of these supplements, compared to women (71%). Commonly used supplements were creatine (43.5%), maltodextrin (40%), whey protein (39.5), bebidade carbohydrate (39%) and albumin (45%), thus it is observed a high consumption of protein supplements. Moreover, this high intake of REN is not guided by a qualified professional, as most athletes consume these supplements without a prescription by a dietitian or doctor, putting health at risk. Although the sample has high education level, the information they possess on REN is questionable, since the main sources of information are the internet and friends. While these athletes have knowledge about the harmful effects of anabolic steroids, there was a prevalence of 45% in substance use. It was concluded that consumption of REN among athletes of Vicosa, MG is routine without a proper prescription professional, and that the level of knowledge about these REN is low.