Dietary Supplement Consumption and Micronutrient Intake Status in Bodybuilders

Background and purpose: Little information is available about micronutrients intake in bodybuilding athletes taking supplements. This study aimed at investigating dietary supplements usage and micronutrients intake in male and female bodybuilders. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among bodybuilders in bodybuilding clubs in Shiraz. Information about consumption of dietary supplements were collected using a questionnaire and Food Frequency Questionnaire (168 items) was completed to assess the micronutrients intake based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Results: The participants (n= 270) included 175 (64.8%) males (mean age: 33.6±2.5 years). In this study, 115 (65%) males and 45 (47%) females used dietary supplements. The study showed a significant difference in the rate of supplement use based on gender (P<0.000), age group (P<0.006), and level of education (P