Analysis of Nutritional Supplements Consumption by Squash Players

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Nutrition
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Nutritional supplement (NS) use is prevalent among athletes.
• Understanding consumption patterns across different performance levels is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and health.
• Squash players represent a distinct athletic population with specific nutritional demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare nutritional supplement consumption between international and national level squash players.
• To investigate differences in the types and evidence-based categories of NS used by these athletes.
• To examine the role and sources of nutritional advice received by squash players at different performance levels.

Main Methods:

• A previously validated NS consumption frequency questionnaire was administered to 14 international and 28 national squash players.
• Independent samples T-Student test and chi-squared (χ²) test were employed for comparative statistical analysis.
• NS were categorized based on scientific evidence levels (sports food, medical supplements, ergogenic aids A-D).

Main Results:

• International players demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of NS consumption (100%) compared to national players (67.9%, p=0.017).
• Significant differences were observed in the consumption of specific supplements: bicarbonate of soda, glutamine, branched-chain amino acids, and flaxseed oil (p<0.05).
• International players received more nutritional advice from personal trainers and dietitians-nutritionists, while a majority of national players (55.6%) received no advice.

Conclusions:

• International squash players consume nutritional supplements more frequently than national players.
• The current pattern of NS consumption, irrespective of evidence level, appears unbalanced and could be improved.
• Integrating qualified dietitians-nutritionists as advisors is recommended to optimize NS use and enhance performance for squash athletes.