Johnson, K. E., & Pipe, A. L. (2001). Supplement use by Canadian Olympic athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 395.

Canadian Olympic (Atlanta, 1996) athletes (N = 257) reported use of supplements immediately before the Games. A variety of sports (N = 21) and Ss of both genders (M = 48%; F = 52%) were represented.

Vitamin supplements were used by 62% of Ss; mineral supplements by 31%, dietary supplements (nutritional, herbal, homeopathic) by 39%, and over-the-counter medications were used by 60.7%. Supplements were used most by swimming (74%), then rowing (72%), athletics (60%), and basketball (50%).

Implication. Widespread use of supplements that have no validity for need or performance enhancement underscores the need for education about nutrition in sports.

Return to Table of Contents for this issue.