Nutritional supplement use among school level athletes in Sri Lanka

Sports Nutrition and Ortho Congress

December 08-09, 2016 | Philadelphia, USA

Eashaan Dassanayaka

International Institute of Health Sciences, Sri Lanka

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Sports Med Doping Stud

Abstract :

Introduction: Sports supplements use is seen among school athletes in Colombo but their actual practices and recommendations and associated risks are unknown. As well as the knowledge on the products they use is unknown. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices regarding approved and non-approved sports supplements and the knowledge on banned doping agents. Methods: A descriptive study was done on 130 conveniently selected school athletes among leading schools in Colombo using a selfadministered questionnaire. Results: The sample population included 13.1% female athletes and 73.4% male athletes. The participants were from ages 15-20. From the majority, 62.3% took dietary supplements and 56.9% of the population took supplements without any doctor�s recommendation. 13.1% would go to a physician to get information on supplements. 48.5% believes that supplements are right for them out of which 58.7% relied on the supplement label to select the right supplement. 50% believes that energy drinks can improve sports performance. 56.9% agrees that with doping body shape and muscle mass can be increased. 55.4% agrees that doping can cause harm to the user. 46.2% disagrees that taking a doping agent is an ethical deed. Also 45% disagrees respecting individuals who drug dope. 2.3% from the sample have taken a banned substance. Conclusions: The use of nutritional and sports supplements are common among school level athletes, also majority is aware of the risks. But given the circumstances if they are provided with the substance they are ready to use them.

Biography :

Email: eashaandassanayaka@gmail.com