Faster, Stronger, Healthier: Adolescent-Stated Reasons for Dietary Supplementation

Abstract

Objective: Examine the underlying reasons and sources of recommendation for dietary supplement (DS) use among adolescents.

Design: Cross-sectional analysis of children's development in Slovenia in September to October, 2014.

Setting: Nationally recruited sample.

Participants: Adolescents aged 14-19 years enrolled in 15 high schools (n = 1,463).

Variables measured: Reasons for and sources of recommendation for DS use, sports club membership, sports discipline, and extent of physical activity (PA) were self-reported data.

Analysis: Chi-square test of independence was performed to compare the prevalence of DS use between groups with different extents of PA and nonathletes/athletes, referring to 11 different reasons and 9 different sources of recommendation for DS use.

Results: Use of DS was widespread among adolescents (69%), athletes (76%), and nonathletes (66%). Higher prevalence of supplementation was observed in males, who justified it use for sports performance enhancement and better development and function of muscles. In contrast, females emphasized immune system improvement. Higher extent of PA was associated with a higher prevalence of DS use. This was especially evident in males, who participated in team sports. A high percentage of adolescents (41%) decided on their own to use DS and because of advice from parents or relatives (30%).

Conclusions and implications: Several reasons for the widespread use of DS in adolescents were associated with sports participation. Therefore, educational programs regarding DS use should be targeted primarily to adolescents and their parents who are involved in sports, and especially team sports.

Keywords: adolescents; dietary supplementation; physical activity; sports.