HIGH-SCHOOL ATHLETES AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS - A STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE AND USE

Factors influencing nutritional supplement use by high school students were assessed. Comparisons were made between various groups of sports participants and non-sports participants. The Nutritional Supplement Use and Knowledge Scale was administered to 509 students. Mean supplem ent use score was 10.87 (SEM = 0.50, range 0-57). Mean knowledge score was 13.56 (SEM = 0.16, range 1-21). Significant relationships (p < .0 1) were obtained for supplement knowledge with use, and supplement use with gender. ANOVA found significant differences between supplement u se by gender (p < .01), supplement use by sports category (p < .05), a nd knowledge scores by sports category p < .01). Discriminant function analysis indicated knowledge, supplement use, and subscores for prote in, vitamins/minerals, and carbohydrates were best discriminators of s port group membership. Greater knowledge about supplements was associa ted with less use; hence, education about supplements can be a deterre nt to use. This study may help coaches, athletic trainers, athletic di rectors, teachers, physicians, and parents identify nutritional miscon ceptions held by adolescents.