Uso de suplementos alimentares utilizados por praticantes de exercício físico em Realeza, PR e avaliação da rotulagem

Abstract

Introduction: Physical exercise is an important ally for quality of life, due to its benefits such as increased life expectancy and improved mental health. With the growth in the practice of physical exercise, there is also a popularization of the use of dietary supplements. Objective: To identify the main dietary supplements used by physical exercise practitioners and verify the adequacy of their labeling in a city in southwestern Paraná. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory study, carried out in gyms and supplement stores in the city of Realeza in Paraná. Participants were selected by convenience and through the snowball technique. A structured questionnaire with sociodemographic questions and the use of dietary supplements was applied. All dietary supplements identified in the research were analyzed according to the adequacy of the labeling by the Collegiate Board Resolution (RDC) No. 243, of July 26, 2018. Result: Fifty individuals were interviewed in three gyms, as a requirement, all had to be supplement users. The majority of the sample was female (54%), white, and aged between 19 and 25 years. The most commonly used supplements were creatine, pre-workout, and whey protein. Among the interviewees, 70% used supplements without professional guidance, especially participants aged between 19 and 30 years. In addition, men tended to exercise for periods longer than 60 minutes, compared to women. Conclusion: In short, exercise practitioners in southwestern Paraná mainly use the following dietary supplements: creatine, preworkout, and whey protein. All labels of the supplements identified were in compliance with the legislation.