THE USE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS BY CROATIAN FEMALE BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The aim of this study was to determine how and where the food supplements are used by female basketball players in Croatia and their relationship to knowledge about nutrition and their eating habits. Although there is growing interest in diet and use of dietary supplements some female athletes still consume diets lower than optimal. The cause of this phenomenon are both in the selection of foodstuffs and in habits. In order to avoid injuries and health complications, it is necessary to possess extensive knowledge about the different types of nutrients, about quantity and daily schedule of meals, about eating habits, as well as about the need for the use of nutritional supplements. Due to the potential side effects and the imbalance of nutrients, recommendations for the use of food supplements should be taken only by a physician.