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Variables used in questionnaires about ergonutritionals supplements intake

Abstract:

Introduction: nutritional supplements intake is increasing during the recent years both in Spain and in the rest of the world. Questionnaires that estimate the intake and supplement use have methodological limitations. The purpose of this study is to describe used indicators in questionnaires that estimate nutritional supplements intake among athletes so facilitate understanding of these limitations. Methodology: a literature review of variables used within questionnaires to estimate consumption of nutritional supplements among athletes. We conducted a structured research in PubMed database and through snow ball strategy. Search equation: “Questionnaire” AND “Supplementation” AND “Athletes”. Inclusion criteria: published in any country in English or Spanish, containing questionnaire or indicators can be deducted from the items, to estimate the intake and use of nutritional supplements and should be targeted to athletes training in order to compete at any level. We performed a descriptive analysis. Results: 21 above the 122 identified studies met the inclusion criteria. Sociodemographic factors, sport and training frequency, athlete population, reasons/motives for use and consumption, sources of information and list of supplements and frequency are the found indicators for estimating intake of supplements. Discussion: there are great heterogeneity in terms of the proposed indicators by the authors at the questionnaires and intake estimation using nutritional supplements, standardization of the methodology for the development questionnaires to be necessary and proposing the classification of the Australian Institute of Sport as a reference.