The Use of Supplements among Adults in Selected Gymnasium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The use of supplement is prevalent among Malaysians especially athletes and gym users. However, the study on the use of supplements among people exercising in the gym is rarely carried out in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to assess supplement use among adults who exercise in gyms in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. This study also aimed to compare sociodemographic characteristics between supplement users and non-users. A total of 315 gym users (79.0% male and 21.0% female), with a mean age of 27.1 ± 7.8 years participated in this study. Data collection was carried out in five gyms located in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur. Anthropometric measurement of body weight and height of the respondents were taken. Sociodemographic information and supplement use were obtained using questionnaires. This study found that 66.3 % of respondents were supplement users. Protein shake (73.7%), vitamin C (72.4%) and whey protein (68.3%) were the most popular choices among supplement users. Internet (76.2%), friends (47.9%) and coaches (35.2%) were primary sources of supplement information. There were significant association between body mass index category (p=0.020), age group (p=0.037), gender (p<0.001) and race (p=0.027) with supplement use status. In conclusion, prevalence of supplement use among gym users was high. Therefore, it is crucial to disseminate precise and scientific based on information on the health benefits and risks of supplement to the s gym users to avoid inappropriate use of supplement.