Vincent G Kelly1, Michael D Leveritt2, Christopher T Brennan2, Gary J Slater3, David G Jenkins2. 1. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia; Performance Sciences Department, Brisbane Broncos Rugby League Club, Australia. Electronic address: v.kelly2@uq.edu.au. 2. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia. 3. School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate β-alanine supplementation use and level of knowledge amongst professional footballers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of Australian professional football players. METHODS: Questionnaires assessing β-alanine supplementation behaviours, level of knowledge and sources of information were completed by professional rugby union (RU) (n=87), rugby league (RL) (n=180) and Australian Rules Football (ARF) (n=303) players. RESULTS: Approximately 61% of athletes reported β-alanine use, however use by ARF football players (44%) was lower than that of RU (80%) and RL players (80%). The majority of respondents were not using β-alanine in accordance with recommendations. Only 35% of the participants were able to correctly identify the potential benefits of β-alanine supplementation. The main information sources that influenced players' decision to use β-alanine were strength and conditioning coach (71%) and dietitian (52%). Forty-eight per cent of athletes never read labels prior to supplementing and only 11% completed their own research on β-alanine. Compared to RL and ARF players, RU players had both a greater knowledge of β-alanine supplementation and better supplementation practices. CONCLUSIONS: Despite over half the surveyed professional footballers using β-alanine, the majority of athletes used β-alanine in a manner inconsistent with recommendations. A better understanding of the environment and culture within professional football codes is required before supplement use becomes consistent with evidence based supplement recommendations.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate β-alanine supplementation use and level of knowledge amongst professional footballers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of Australian professional football players. METHODS: Questionnaires assessing β-alanine supplementation behaviours, level of knowledge and sources of information were completed by professional rugby union (RU) (n=87), rugby league (RL) (n=180) and Australian Rules Football (ARF) (n=303) players. RESULTS: Approximately 61% of athletes reported β-alanine use, however use by ARF football players (44%) was lower than that of RU (80%) and RL players (80%). The majority of respondents were not using β-alanine in accordance with recommendations. Only 35% of the participants were able to correctly identify the potential benefits of β-alanine supplementation. The main information sources that influenced players' decision to use β-alanine were strength and conditioning coach (71%) and dietitian (52%). Forty-eight per cent of athletes never read labels prior to supplementing and only 11% completed their own research on β-alanine. Compared to RL and ARF players, RU players had both a greater knowledge of β-alanine supplementation and better supplementation practices. CONCLUSIONS: Despite over half the surveyed professional footballers using β-alanine, the majority of athletes used β-alanine in a manner inconsistent with recommendations. A better understanding of the environment and culture within professional football codes is required before supplement use becomes consistent with evidence based supplement recommendations.
Authors: Bryan Saunders; Mariana Franchi; Luana Farias de Oliveira; Vinicius da Eira Silva; Rafael Pires da Silva; Vitor de Salles Painelli; Luiz Augusto Riani Costa; Craig Sale; Roger Charles Harris; Hamilton Roschel; Guilherme Giannini Artioli; Bruno Gualano Journal: Eur J Nutr Date: 2018-12-14 Impact factor: 5.614
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