The Prevalence, Level of Knowledge, and Methods of Supplying Nutritional Supplements among Males Participating in Private Gyms in The City of Ardabil, Iran

Background: There are many investigations demonstrated side effects of dietary supplements use such as cardiovascular, hematological, metabolic, and neurological problems. The aim of this study is to assess prevalence, level of knowledge and methods of supplying nutritional supplements among males participating in private gyms in the city of Ardabil in the north west of Iran. Methods: A total of 73 fitness private clubs in four municipaliƟes was considered as the staƟsƟcal population of the study.According to Morgan's table, 375 people were selected as the sample of 18 clubs in a multi-stage, randomized fashion. Structured interview conducted by physical education students as interviewer using researcher-made quesƟonnaires. The quesƟonnaire included 19 questions and 4 secƟons. Results: According to data, 59.5% parƟcipants in the study used nutriƟonal supplements. Proteins-amino acids (63.7%) and creaƟne (17.9%) were the most commonly used supplements. More than half of the participants started supplementation with their instructor's suggesƟon (55.6%). Most participants who use nutritional supplements, believed that the use of supplements does not pose any risk (59.2%), while the majority of those who did not consume, had no knowledge about the risk of supplementaƟon (49.3%). Furthermore, 39.9% of those who did not take nutriƟonal supplements believed supplementation to be harmful to health. Conclusions: The prevalence of nutritional supplements was high in non-professional males who did exercise for recreation or health promotion in private clubs. Given that many of these supplements were offered by gym owners and instructors working in those clubs, the main goal of selling these supplements seems to be increase of income rather than their positive effects.