The Muscle Mag
Researchers from Seville, Spain, recently conducted a study to assess the frequency of sports supplement (SS) use among 316 federated female road cyclists. They looked at the types of supplements used and the reasons for supplementation through a validated questionnaire.
Results published in the journal Nutrients showed that 85.1% of the female road cyclists surveyed reported using SS. The primary reason cited for supplementation was ‘health status’, followed by ‘athletic performance’.
“These results shed light on the consumption of SS among female federated road cyclists and highlight specific trends to consider,” the authors concluded.
Cycling Sports Supplements
Cycling is a physically demanding sport with significant aerobic demands. SS can play a crucial role in enhancing energy availability, performance, training support, and micronutrient management.
The use of SS is common among athletes and is more prevalent among elite competitive athletes compared to those at lower levels. However, men tend to consume more SS than women in the same sport.
While there has been an increase in the number of federative licenses for women’s cycling in Spain, there is a lack of specific nutritional recommendations for female athletes and physically active women.
Female Road Cyclists
The authors reached out to clubs and associations registered with the Andalusian Cycling Federation (FAC) via email to gather information on SS consumption patterns among female road cyclists.
The analysis revealed that 85.1% of the female road cyclists surveyed used SS, with an average of seven supplements per individual. The most commonly consumed supplements included sports bars, sports gels, and caffeine.
Primary reasons for SS use included health status, athletic performance, and nutritional deficiency. Dietitian-nutritionists were the main advisors for supplementation, with pharmacies and specialized stores being the primary sources for purchasing supplements.
The authors highlighted the need to educate athletes on the benefits of scientifically validated supplements and recommended further studies to explore the specific ergogenic effects of supplements in the context of women’s road cycling.
Journal: Nutrients
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152563
“Sports Supplement Consumption in 316 Federated Female Road Cyclists.”
Authors: García-Durán, J. Et al
