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A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto has shed light on the prevalence and impacts of muscle-building supplement use among adolescents and young adults in Canada. Published in Performance Enhancement & Health, the research provides a comprehensive examination of supplement usage patterns, influencing factors, and associated health risks.
The study, drawing from data collected from 912 participants aged 16 to 30 as part of the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors, revealed striking trends in supplement consumption. Nearly 60% of respondents reported using muscle-building supplements, with whey protein powders and protein shakes emerging as the most popular choices. Notably, males exhibited higher usage rates compared to females and transgender/gender-expansive individuals.
Lead author Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW, highlighted the significance of these findings: “Our study underscores the pervasive pursuit of muscular body ideals among boys and men, with an average use of three different supplements in the past year.”
The influence of social media proved substantial, with almost half of participants citing influencers as primary motivators for supplement use. Online communities and peer recommendations also played significant roles, particularly among males who frequented platforms like Reddit and YouTube for information.
Despite widespread usage, only a small fraction (9.8%) of users perceived their supplement use as problematic. However, alarming statistics revealed that nearly two-thirds of users experienced adverse effects, including fatigue, digestive issues, and cardiovascular symptoms. Shockingly, 87.8% of those affected did not seek medical attention, highlighting potential health risks associated with unmonitored supplement use.
Dr. Ganson emphasized the need for enhanced regulatory measures and healthcare awareness: “Weak regulations and unrestricted social media content contribute to misinformation and potentially harmful perceptions among young people regarding supplement safety and efficacy.”
The study also identified higher symptom rates among transgender/gender-expansive and sexual minority individuals, underscoring the importance of tailored health interventions and education strategies.
In response to these findings, the research team advocates for stricter regulations on supplement sales and advertising, particularly on digital platforms frequented by youth. They call for greater integration of harm reduction education in public health initiatives, aiming to mitigate risks associated with supplement use among vulnerable populations.
This study not only advances our understanding of youth supplement behaviors but also prompts critical reflections on health policy and education efforts aimed at promoting safe and informed supplement practices.
For more details, the study titled “Describing use of muscle-building supplements among adolescents and young adults in Canada” can be accessed in the June 2024 issue of Performance Enhancement & Health.
