Nutritional supplements in Norwegian elite athletes-impact of international ranking and advisors

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports 2003-04, Vol.13 (2), p.138-144
• Main Authors: Sundgot-Borgen, J., Berglund, B., Torstveit, M. K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; coaches; Dietary Supplements - utilization; doping; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Male; Norway; Nutrition; Sports; sports federations; Vertebrates: body movement. Posture. Locomotion. Flight. Swimming. Physical exercise. Rest. Sports
• ISSN: 0905-7188; 1600-0838
• DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0838.2003.10288.x

The aims of this study were to investigate (a) the use of nutritional supplements (NS) (vitamins, minerals, Omega 3, antioxidants, ginseng, amino acids, Creatine and energy supplements) in elite athletes of different international ranking (b) why athletes are using NS, and (c) who recommends the elite athletes to use NS. The total population of elite athletes in Norwegian National Teams (n = 1620, 960 males and 660 females aged 15–39 years) and randomly selected (n = 1681) (916 males and 765 females) controls from the general population, were given a questionnaire including questions about use of nutritional supplements (NS), and from whom athletes had received information about nutrition and recommendations to use NS. The response rate was 76% for male and 92% for female athletes and 75% and 81% for male and female controls, respectively.  A similar percentage of female athletes (54%) and controls (52%) reported use of one or more NS, but more male athletes (51%) than male controls (32%) used NS (P