(4) Evaluation of Consumers' Knowledge, Beliefs and Risk Assessment Regarding Protein

Publication Number: 335

Background: Protein supplements are consumed mainly by athletes and are common types of nutrition supplements. However, the lack of references about consumers' knowledge, motivations, occurrence of consumption, benefits and potential health risks, enable the detailed research on protein supplements necessary.

Objectives: This pilot study was to record data on the state of the use of protein supplements among athletes in Greece. Especially, aim was to determine the percent of Greek athletes using protein supplements, to investigate source of information, reasons of consumption, motivation and frequency of use.

Methods: The research was based on questionnaire, which was made by Nutrition and Dietary Department of International Hellenic University. The 928 participants were random gender, of age group 18-60 years, of different athletic activities, all around Greece. The questionnaire was shared no namely both in person and online, mainly on gyms and other athletic fields. It was consisted by 37 questions, which were relative demographics, sources of information, regularity of use, purchasing habits, associated risk knowledge and supplement beliefs. The data were categorized, analyzed using SPSS and Chi-square test.

Results: A total of 64.7% of participants were women, and 35.3% were men. Their respectives mean ages were 27.7 and 29.3 years, respectively. Mainly, the athletes had a body mass index (BMI) 18-24.9 kg/m2 (66.4%) and an education level of BSc or greater (61.8%). Moreover, 23.8% were participating in bodybuilding/fitness, whereas 76.2% of athletes choose other sports, with a positive relationship between sport and use (P < 0.05). Only the 24.8% (230) of the participants were consuming protein supplements, while the majority were men, and the major factor of using was raise of muscle mass. Furthermore, protein powder was users’ favorite form of supplements. In contrast, 60.7% of non-consumers did not consider the use of protein supplements to be necessary. It was found that the most common source of information was Internet, 59.6% of consumers believed them to be safe and of good quality and 41.5% of users purchase their supplements online due to lower costs. Half of participants consumed the supplements more than 2 times per week and after exercise. Finally, side effects have been observed in 6.3% of users.

Conclusions: The majority of young are consuming protein supplements with belief they increase body mass, even though inappropriate information and products' wrong labelling might be led to unwanted results. Further education of athletes and coaches are necessary for responsible purchasing and use.