Consumption assessment of nutritional supplements, fruits and vegetables by users of academies in Picos-PI

Abstract

Adequate and diversified food coupled with active physical activity are essential determinants of a healthy life. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that protect the body, boosting immunity and reducing the effects of oxidative stress, benefiting practitioners of physical activities. On the other hand, there are dietary supplements¸ whose use has been increasing in the general population, especially in bodybuilding gyms, and due to the lack of specific regulation, access to these products is free to all. The aim of this study was to evaluate the consumption of nutritional supplements and fruits and vegetables by gym users in the city of Picos - PI. The data collection was carried out in two academies, using as a collection instrument a structured form with 25 questions. The use of supplements was reported by 36.66% of the population, predominating among young males, middle class, with higher education, often associated with the practice of anaerobic physical exercises such as bodybuilding, being those of protein nature the most widely consumed (78.18%), with the goal of gaining muscle mass, with a prescription in their majority by a nutritionist (40%). The consumption of fruits and vegetables was reported by 96.84% and 86.31% of the population, respectively. The habit of consuming fruits and vegetables was common, noting that the first use was higher than the second. However, the frequency of weekly and daily intake was below the recommended, signaling the need for educational activities in food and nutrition for information about the benefits of consumption of these foods.