THE IMPACT OF HORMONAL, NON-HORMONAL SUPPLEMENT AND TOTAL DAILY ENERGY INTAKE ON BODYBUILDERS' HEALTH DURING OFF-SEASON STRENGTH TRAINING IN SULAYMANIYAH CITY- IRAQ

Abstract

Nutrition programs, proper guidance, and supplements (hormonal and non-hormonal supplements) that enhance muscle mass could be key factors for bodybuilders to reach their goals with a correct strategy. However, they could involve them in possible adverse health risks. The suit questionnaire form was designed to collect information about bodybuilders' total daily energy intake and supplements to strengthen and boost their muscle mass. It was used to discover whether they were on the right track regarding required energy intake. Moreover, the impact of hormonal and non-hormonal substances on their health has also been investigated. For that, thirty-one advanced bodybuilders as participants were taken (as volunteers); most of them had a long period of training experience and had a muscular body shape. The rest have at least more than four years of bodybuilding experience. Results show that the majority of them didn’t reach the required total daily calorie intake or exceeded by a great margin (3800 kcal). Surprisingly, they also had an unacceptable amount of administrated anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), some of which are on the banned list by authorized food organizations. According to sports supplements' dose-related effects and health risks, nutrition program strategy and practicing that kind of supplement use may help them build muscle mass but in a very unhealthy way. Bodybuilders seem to be at the possible risk of practicing incorrect paths, because they may be misguided in terms of proper nutritional programs and using muscle enhancers.