The use and non-use of sports supplements : A mixed methods study among people exercising at gyms

Abstract: Sports supplements include nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids and are widely used in the gym culture. Previous research has examined predictors for supplement use, but lacks an insight into why these patterns appear. The objective was to examine predictors for sports supplement use among people exercising at gyms and explore how sports supplements are used, perceived and viewed upon among a group of regular gym users. A mixed methods explanatory sequential design was used. In phase 1, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted. Phase 2 consisted of six semi-structured interviews exploring why sports supplements are used and not used, as well as expectations and beliefs regarding sports supplements among training individuals. 85 individuals participated in the survey. 68 percent used sports supplements regularly, but no predictors from previous research could be confirmed. The interviews showed that supplements were used for convenience and to ensure a sufficient nutrition intake, while non-users expressed a lack of knowledge and believed supplements to be inefficient and unnecessary. No predictors for use of sports supplements were confirmed, but both users and non-users highly value health responsibility in their decision of supplement use. To users, sports supplements are efficient and convenient dietary complements and replacements. Non-supplement users regard sports supplements to be unnecessary, inefficient and less enjoyable than food. Due to the small sample size, more studies are needed within the field in order to fully understand the role of sports supplements in the target group.