García-Durán Jesús, Romero-García David, Martínez-Sanz José Miguel, González-Jurado José Antonio, Sánchez-Oliver Antonio Jesús
Faculty of Sports Science, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain.
Research Center on Physical and Sports Performance, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain.
Sports (Basel). 2025 Apr 16;13(4):122. doi: 10.3390/sports13040122.
This study analyzes and compares sports supplement (SS) consumption among federated road cyclists, considering sex and competition category. The aim is to identify key factors influencing SS use and provide insights for developing nutritional strategies in cycling. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted, involving 1503 cyclists (1231 men and 272 women). Data were collected through a validated questionnaire assessing anthropometric data, training habits, SS consumption patterns, and sources of information. Results indicate that 64.3% of cyclists currently use SS. Women reported a significantly higher consumption rate (88.2%) compared to men (59.1%), although men had a higher average SS intake than women (8.28 ± 9.36 vs. 6.76 ± 5.96). Additionally, SS use decreased with age and competition level, with elite cyclists showing the highest prevalence (76.3%) and master 50 the lowest (58.4%). Group A supplements (scientifically supported) were the most frequently used, while Group C supplements (limited evidence) and Group D substances (prohibited) were more commonly consumed by men. Findings highlight significant differences in SS consumption based on sex and competition level, with elite cyclists and women reporting higher prevalence. However, men reported a higher average number of SS consumed. The study underscores the need for targeted nutritional education, particularly among master cyclists, to promote evidence-based SS use and minimize the risks of ineffective or unsafe supplementation. Future research should explore the long-term effects of SS consumption in cycling and the effectiveness of educational interventions for safe and optimized supplementation practices.
本研究分析并比较了不同性别和竞赛类别的职业公路自行车运动员对运动补剂（SS）的使用情况。目的是确定影响运动补剂使用的关键因素，并为制定自行车运动营养策略提供见解。进行了一项横断面描述性研究，涉及1503名自行车运动员（1231名男性和272名女性）。通过一份经过验证的问卷收集数据，该问卷评估人体测量数据、训练习惯、运动补剂消费模式和信息来源。结果表明，64.3%的自行车运动员目前使用运动补剂。女性报告的消费率（88.2%）显著高于男性（59.1%），尽管男性的运动补剂平均摄入量高于女性（8.28±9.36 vs. 6.76±5.96）。此外，运动补剂的使用随着年龄和竞赛水平的降低而减少，精英自行车运动员的使用率最高（76.3%），50岁以上的运动员最低（58.4%）。A组补剂（有科学依据）使用最为频繁，而C组补剂（证据有限）和D组物质（被禁止）在男性中消费更为普遍。研究结果突出了运动补剂消费在性别和竞赛水平上的显著差异，精英自行车运动员和女性的使用率较高。然而，男性报告的运动补剂平均消费数量较多。该研究强调了有针对性的营养教育的必要性，特别是在老年自行车运动员中，以促进基于证据的运动补剂使用，并将无效或不安全补充的风险降至最低。未来的研究应探索运动补剂消费对自行车运动的长期影响，以及教育干预对安全和优化补充做法的有效性。
