Consumption, characteristics, and profile: Consumers of nutritional supplements in gymnasiums in Santiago, Chile

Introduction Athletes are the principle consumers of nutritional supplements, and generally present the highest rate of usage. In Chile, there is a growing interest in consuming these supplements, although there is little knowledge of their effects. Objectives To determine the consumer profile, who recommends the usage of these nutritional supplements, what the most used products are, and to distinguish possible differences in variables like sex, the purpose of their use, and others. Methods A survey with 19 open and closed questions was given to 446 men and women volunteers, from between the ages of 17 and 49, who were participants from six gymnasiums in Santiago, Chile, in 2013. Results Men are the greatest consumers of supplements, and usage increases according to the amount of time spent training every week. This group prefers protein shakes with the aim of increasing muscle mass. Women principally consume vitamins and lipolytic agents with the aim of reducing fatty mass. A high percentage believes that consuming supplements aids in meeting their goals. Conclusion A considerable number of those who regularly attend a gymnasium consume supplements without specialized orientation and (possibly) without the real need of doing so. It is necessary to regulate irrational and potentially unsafe use of nutritional supplements in bettering physical output.