Prevalence of dietary supplements consumption among CrossFit practitioners

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: We aimed to determine the prevalence of the use of supplements among CFPs. Moreover, we sought to elucidate which factors may be associated with dietary restraint, a dimension of eating behavior that seems to be crucial for food intake, energy availability, fatigue, and performance. Methods CFPs aged 18-64 years (n = 112; 57 male; 55 female) were included in this cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive study. They answered an online questionnaire containing questions to assess prevalence, type, and reasons for supplements use, besides information about sociodemographic variables and prevalence of the main chronic morbidities. To analyze aspects of eating behavior, the “Three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) - R21" was used. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire (PSQI) was used to assess sleep time and quality. Results: Eighty-seven CFPs (50 male; 37 female) reported currently use of dietary supplements. Whey protein was the most used supplement (n = 70), followed by creatine (n = 54). Eating behavior dimensions of emotional eating, binge eating, and cognitive restraint displayed no differences between genders and CFPs of levels. Conclusion: CFPs seem to be using some supplements with purposes which conflict with those supported by scientific evidence. Regarding eating behavior dimensions, physical exercise may be able to suppress emotional eating, possibly justifying the lack of difference in our results. The use of supplement is prevalent among CF practitioners, but it seems they need nutrition education.