| This paper reviews studies of supplement use among child and adolescent
athletes, focusing on prevalence and type of supplement use, as well
as gender comparisons. Supplement use among adult athletes has been
well documented however there are a limited number of studies investigating
supplement use by child and adolescent athletes. A trend in the current
literature revealed that the most frequently used supplements are
in the form of vitamin and minerals. While health and illness prevention
are the main reasons for taking supplements, enhanced athletic performance
was also reported as a strong motivating factor. Generally, females
are found to use supplements more frequently and are associated with
reasons of health, recovery, and replacing an inadequate diet. Males
are more likely to report taking supplements for enhanced performance.
Both genders equally rated increased energy as another reason for
engaging in supplement use. Many dietary supplements are highly accessible
to young athletes and they are particularly vulnerable to pressures
from the media and the prospect of playing sport at increasingly elite
levels. Future research should provide more direct evidence regarding
any physiological side effects of taking supplements, as well as the
exact vitamin and mineral requirements for child and adolescent athletes.
Increased education for young athletes regarding supplement use, parents
and coaches should to be targeted to help the athletes make the appropriate
choices.
KEY
WORDS: Nutrition, sport, adolescent athletes, dietary supplement.
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