High school athletes and nutritional supplements: a study of knowledge and use.
Factors influencing nutritional supplement use by high school students were assessed. Comparisons were made between various groups of sports participants and non-sports participants. The Nutritional Supplement Use and Knowledge Scale was administered to 509 students. Mean supplement use score was 10.87 (SEM = 0.50, range 0-57). Mean knowledge score was 13.56 (SEM = 0.16, range 1-21). Significant relationships (p < .01) were obtained for supplement knowledge with use, and supplement use with gender. ANOVA found significant differences between supplement use by gender (p < .01), supplement use by sports category (p < .05), and knowledge scores by sports category (p < .01). Discriminant function analysis indicated knowledge, supplement use, and subscores for protein, vitamins/minerals, knowledge, supplement use, and subscores for protein, vitamins/minerals, and carbohydrates were best discriminators of sport group membership. Greater knowledge about supplements was associated with less use; hence, education about supplements can be a deterrent to use. This study may help coaches, athletic trainers, athletic directors, teachers, physicians, and parents identify nutritional misconceptions held by adolescents.
Massad
S J
SJ
Department of Health Studies, Springfield College, MA 01109, USA.
Shier
N W
NW
Koceja
D M
DM
Ellis
N T
NT
D000293:Adolescent; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000592:standards; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified / Q000592:standards*; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D013177:Sports; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004044:Dietary Proteins