THERE ARE NO DIFFERENCES IN THE CONSUMPTION OF SPORTS NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL POWERLIFTERS

The scientific literature regarding the evaluation of the consumption of sports nutritional supplements (SND) in strength sports, such as powerlifting, is scarce and most studies have poor quality methodologies, having created myths and pseudosciences in the sector. In order to provide recommendations on SND based on the level of scientific evidence, the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has created a SND classification based on the level of scientific evidence. Aims: To know, from a quantitative and qualitative point of view, the SNDs used by powerlifters that compete at an international and national level. Methods and Material: 32 powerlifter (10 international and 22 national) filled a daily SND for 72 hours. Statistical analysis used: A non-parametric Mann-Witney U test was performed for independent samples in order to verify differences in the number of total supplements consumed, as well as the number of supplements consumed in each category established by the AIS. In addition, a χ 2 test was applied to compare differences in the frequency of supplement consumption among athletes of different categories. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: No differences were observed when comparing powerlifters of international and national level in terms of the number of SND consumed. There were also no statistically significant differences in SND consumption according to the level of evidence, although it was observed that international athletes consumed more than those categorized with greater evidence (p>0.05). Conclusions: Although international powerlifters tended to consume supplements with a higher level of scientific evidence, significant statistical differences were not reached and, therefore, our hypothesis was not met.