Study of the use of ergonenic substances and dietary supplements by university students in Sao Jose do Rio Preto-SP

It is observed the increase of the adhesion to the practice of physical activities for the search of better conditioning and physical form, wellbeing and self-esteem. Commonly, individuals practicing these activities resort to the use of dietary supplements and anabolic androgenic steroids. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of dietary supplements and anabolic androgenic steroids. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study. A standardized questionnaire was used. Fifty university students were interviewed in the city of Sao Jose do Rio Preto - SP. The minimum age was 18 years, the maximum of 32 years and the median of 23 years. 60% of the interviewees were male. 84% practiced some physical activity, being the most frequent Weight training (59%). Half of the students reported using dietary supplements, with Whey Protein (35%), BCAA (24%) and creatine (22%) being the most commonly used. 14% related the use of the anabolic androgenic steroid stanozolol, testosterone propionate and methandrostenolone. The adverse reactions were dermatological and psychological. Based on these results, it is suggested actions promoted by health professionals in order to guide and raise awareness among university students about the rational use of dietary supplements and the risks of using anabolic androgenic steroids.