In response to the findings printed within the journal Physiologia, social media was a major channel of data, with a notably small proportion trusting healthcare professionals to advise about protein dietary supplements.
Individuals reported varied uncomfortable side effects from protein supplementation, and lots of believed the merchandise endure regulatory processes just like these for medicines.
“Regardless of the perceived advantages, reliance on non-expert sources and unregulated merchandise raises considerations about shopper consciousness and security, whereas academic initiatives to advertise evidence-based supplementation practices are deemed essential,” wrote researchers at Democritus College of Thrace and different universities in Greece.
Helpful insights
Whereas many research on protein dietary supplements have been performed amongst sports activities professionals and elite athletes, the researchers be aware inadequate and conflicting proof concerning influencing elements for complement use amongst non-professional health fanatics.
Health developments and elevated curiosity in physique picture, wholesome life and well-being have pushed an increase in protein complement consumption among the many basic inhabitants.
Nevertheless, the researchers of the examine be aware that extreme protein consumption has been associated with adversarial results, reminiscent of kidney harm, gastrointestinal signs and nutrient imbalance. And protein dietary supplements typically include minerals like iron and zinc, which will be poisonous at excessive ranges or trigger an imbalance in different minerals.
With an enormous number of protein dietary supplements obtainable, that includes various kinds of protein and extra micronutrients, shoppers might discover it difficult to find out what fits their particular person wants. They typically depend on basic info obtainable on the web and from influencers.
The present examine “emphasizes the necessity for focused academic initiatives to enhance consciousness of secure PS [protein supplement] practices amongst non-professional athletes and health practitioners,” the researchers famous, including that regulatory our bodies ought to take into account “strengthening complement oversight to make sure product high quality and correct labeling.”
Research particulars
The cross-sectional examine employed a questionnaire to gather details about protein complement use, train habits and demographic elements.
They recruited 1,100 respondents from gyms, athletic organizations, amusement parks and enjoying fields.
There have been 327 protein complement customers, of whom 62% had been male, 42% had been between the ages of 25 and 34, and 58% had a standard physique mass index (BMI). Consumption was larger amongst members who weren’t employed in sports-related fields and non-smokers.
Partaking in additional than two forms of bodily exercise and following high-intensity health train classes greater than doubled the chances of consuming protein dietary supplements, and half of those that engaged in additional than two actions reported that protein dietary supplements are useful for well being.
Protein powder was the most well-liked complement, with 64% of complement customers choosing this, primarily submit exercise. The first causes reported for taking protein dietary supplements had been to extend muscle mass (35%) and improve restoration (18%).
Nevertheless, there have been some adversarial results reported: sleep disturbances (16%), aggression (14%), nausea (12%), adjustments in hematology assessments (12%), hypertension (12%), aches (11%), dizziness (9%) and allergic reactions (8%).
The members reported that their major sources of details about protein complement use had been the web and social media (40%) and coaches (43.2%), notably amongst health fanatics.
“Notably, solely a small proportion of PS [protein supplement] customers expressed belief in healthcare professionals (HCPs) as a supply of PS-related info,” the researchers wrote, including that “many members believed PS endure regulatory processes just like medicines, reflecting misconceptions about complement security.”
“Importantly, this analysis contributes to public well being discussions by figuring out areas the place academic and regulatory interventions can promote safer and extra knowledgeable PS practices,” they concluded.
The researchers acknowledged some examine limitations and referred to as for additional analysis.
Supply: Physiologia 2025, 5(2), 18. doi: 10.3390/physiologia5020018. “Tendencies in Protein Complement Use Amongst Non-Skilled Athletes: Insights from a Survey in Greece”. Authors: P. Athanasopoulou et al.
