Dietary Supplement Use in Competitive Spanish Football Players and Differences According to Sex

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) in semi-professional male and professional female Spanish football players. Methods: The study involved 129 football players (92 men and 37 women) who completed a validated, self-administered questionnai...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sousa-Rufino, Carlos, Pareja Galeano, Helios, Martinez-Ferrán, María
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2025
País:España
Institución:Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Repositorio:Biblos-e Archivo. Repositorio Institucional de la UAM
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.uam.es:10486/726140
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10486/726140
https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu17040602
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:dietary supplements
football
soccer
nutrition
ergogenic aids
performance
Deportes
Descripción
Sumario:Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) in semi-professional male and professional female Spanish football players. Methods: The study involved 129 football players (92 men and 37 women) who completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire on the use of DS in athletes. Results: The results indicated that 96.12% of the sample reported taking DS, with the main reason for consumption being performance enhancement. The most commonly consumed DS were creatine monohydrate (66.77%), caffeine (56.59%), whey protein (48.06%), isotonic drinks (37.21%), vitamin D (27.91%), energy bars (27.13%), magnesium (20.93%), and vitamin C (20.16%). Additionally, significant differences were found between sexes regarding vitamin D consumption (p < 0.05; OR = 3.27 [0.36–2.00]). According to the Australian Institute of Sport DS classification, group A was the most consumed, followed by group B. Significant sex differences were found in the consumption of sports foods (p = 0.034; OR = 3.25 [0.05–2.31]) and medical supplements (p < 0.001; OR = 3.75 [0.52–2.12]). Sex differences were also found in place of purchase, source of recommendation, as well as the situation and timing of consumption (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of DS among Spanish football players was prevalent at 96.12%, with creatine monohydrate, caffeine, and whey protein being the most commonly consumed. Differences in consumption patterns were noted between sexes