Evaluation of nutritional labeling of energy supplements sold in Diamantina, Minas Gerais

Abstract

People have increasingly sought physical activity or exercise, especially in gyms, to have the perfect body. Looking for quick results, it has been observed the use of dietary supplements, often at the expense of a healthy diet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the compliance of labels for energy supplements marketed in Diamantina, Minas Gerais. For data collection was used a checklist prepared according to a normative legal for selling supplements for athletes and other to labeling of packaged foods, both of Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Six establishments have been identified that marketed dietary supplements and in these shops were cataloged eight products designated as energy supplements for athletes. It was found that all products had some disagreement with current legislation, such as the failure to designate the product on the label; the absence of mandatory sentence that consumption should be guided by doctor or nutritionist; and the addition of fibers, which is not allowed in this type of product. With regard to nutritional information, it was found that some products contained excessive carbohydrates, vitamins and/or minerals in their composition. The non-compliance labels, by itself, should already prevent the sale of these products and, in addition, the excess of some nutrients could bring harm consumers' health. It is concluded that it is necessary to intensify health surveillance in these shops that sold dietary supplements and is very important to increase the actions of nutritional education for practitioners of physical activities, especially with regard to healthy eating.