Assessment of Sports Supplement Views Among Gym Members in Israel
Introduction to Sports Supplement Usage
Over the past thirty years, the global consumption of sports supplements has surged. Despite their common use in gyms, reliable information on the comprehensive effects of these supplements remains scarce. In the United States, supplement manufacturers are required to register their products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); however, gaining final FDA approval is not mandatory for production or sale. In Israel, sports dietary supplements (SDS) fall under food regulations, which offer little guidance on labeling products that may pose risks to users.
Research Objectives and Methodology
The primary aim of this research study was to evaluate how risk perception affects the use of SDS among gym members, fitness trainers, and dieticians. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews lasting 45 minutes with gym members in central Israel from 2014 to 2015. The study included a balanced sample of 19 male and 15 female participants who were questioned about their perceptions of risk, the credibility of information sources regarding SDS, and the influence of authority figures.
Findings on Risk Perception and Information Sources
Published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, the findings revealed that gym members often echoed the views of friends and family when considering the risks and benefits of sports supplements. Most information was derived from social circles rather than fitness professionals or dieticians. The study found that many gym members were influenced by peers who were already using supplements, creating a social norm that encouraged their own use.
Differences in Risk Perception Among Groups
A notable disparity in risk perception was observed among gym members, trainers, and dieticians. Gym members typically viewed dietary supplements as safe, while trainers acknowledged potential risks but lacked specific knowledge about them, often believing that the benefits outweighed any dangers. In contrast, dieticians approached sports supplements with greater caution.
Conclusions and Implications
The study’s conclusions shed light on the widespread use of sports supplements, suggesting that communicated risks and professional guidance are often overshadowed by the influence of trusted social networks and personal risk perceptions. While the research has limitations regarding data size and scope, it may serve as a foundation for the Israeli Health Ministry to enhance awareness about supplement sales, usage, and information.
Reference
Druker and Gesser-Edelsburg. “Identifying and assessing views among physically-active adult gym members in Israel on dietary supplements.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2017;14:37. doi 10.1186/s12970-017-0194-7.