DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION PRACTICES AMONG FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Dietary supplements are foodstuffs, medicinal herbs, plant or animal extracts, and concentrates containing active compounds, the purpose of which is to supplement the normal diet, with the aim of gaining power and endurance, as well as muscular weight. The active compounds in them are nutrients (vitamins and minerals, fatty acids, proteins) or other substances with a physiological effect (enzymes, microorganisms, hormones). The most often used dietary supplements among athletes are fatty acids, whey proteins, fat burners, creatine, and isotonic drinks. Football players use dietary supplements as ergogenic aids, with the aim of fulfilling the elevated dietary needs and to fasten recovery. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary supplementation practices among football players. The cross- sectional study encompassed 20 active football players from Sarajevo. Data was collected using a short questionnaire, which included general characteristics of the study participant (age, height, weight, residence), information on the frequency of dietary supplement use, type of supplement and dosage, as well as the reasons for supplementation and the source of recommendation for using it. The study participants most often reported taking omega- 3-fatty acids, magnesium, whey proteins, and branched amino acids. Performance was the most frequently stated reason for supplementation. Supplementation was supervised and recommended by a nutritionist or self initiated, and practiced in the recommended dosage. In conclusion, dietary supplements can be ergogenic and enhance performance on one hand, and help with recovery on the other. Still, their usage should always be recommended and supervised by a specialist.