The use of Dietary and Protein Supplements by Women Attending Fitness Clubs on a Recreational Basis and an Analysis of the Factors Influencing their Consumption

The aim of the study was to assess the dietary supplements used by amateur sportswomen training in fitness clubs (F-Fitness) compared to women who do not train (C-Control). Methods. 248 women aged 16 to 31 years (F: 120, C: 128) participated in the study. Results. In group F, 60.00% of women used protein products, 40.83% other dietary supplements, most often: creatine 17.50%, vitamin complexes 10.00%, vitamin D 10.00%, branched chain amino acids 7.50%, fish oil/omega acids 7.50%. A positive predictor of the use of protein supplements was the consumption of vegetables (B: 1.26, 95% CIs: 1.13–11.01). Total supplement use: age (B: 0.27, 95% CIs: 1.09–1.59), number of months of training (B: 0.59, 95% CIs: 1.15–2.81), following the advice of a dietitian (B: 1.50, 95% CIs: 1.45–13.87) and calorie counting (B: 1.54, 95% CIs: 1.49–14.53). Positive predictors of creatine use were: age (B: 0.54, 95% CIs: 1.21–2.42) and calorie count (B: 2.09, 95% CIs: 1.35–48.32). Conclusions. Supplements were more often used by women who were older, who did long training sessions, who were counting calories and those who were seeing a dietitian. Creatine was used more frequently by older women and women counting calories.