The DOI matches its Crossref record; 9 of the 9 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Protein supplements and adolescent athletes: A pilot study investigating the risk knowledge, motivations and prevalence of use
Abstract
Aim: Protein‐based sports supplements are among the more common types of nutrition supplements consumed by athletes; however, there is currently limited data investigating the knowledge, motivations and occurrence of use among the adolescent population (13–18 years). This pilot study looks to obtain initial data regarding the use of protein supplements in this population. Methods: This study investigates the understanding and occurrence of protein supplement use in 87 adolescent athletes based in an Australian capital city who compete in a variety of sports. Sources of information, regularity of use, purchasing habits, associated risk knowledge and supplement beliefs were examined using a self‐reported, written questionnaire. Results: A total of 60% (n = 52) of athletes reported using protein supplements, with a positive relationship between age and use (P < 0.05); 48 participants (55%) perceived risks associated with protein supplement consumption, with the most common risk reported as ‘I don't know’ (22%). Coaches were found to initiate protein supplement use more than other figures in the athlete's life (50%) and were the primary source of information regarding supplements (58%). It was found that 19% of adolescent athletes obtained information about protein supplements from the Internet, and 17% of all consumers purchase their supplements online. Conclusions: The evident lack of knowledge regarding protein supplements demonstrates a necessity for further education of athletes, coaches and families regarding the responsible purchasing and use of protein supplements in the current landscape of sports nutrition. Future research should further explore the role of the Internet in protein supplement purchase and education.
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“However, many young users lack adequate knowledge about the types of protein they consume, and the potential health risks associated with supplementation [95].”
From Optimizing Performance Nutrition for Adolescent Athletes: A Review of Dietary Needs, Risks, and Practical Strategies (2025) · cites this paper as [95]
In the citing paper
“Thus, according to a pilot study performed by Whitehouse and Lawlis (72), 60% of the junior athletes in the present study reported using protein supplements.”
From Junior athletes’ nutritional demands: a narrative review of consumption and prevalence of eating disorders (2024) · cites this paper as Whitehouse and Lawlis [72]
In the citing paper
“However, the inclusion of foreign components in protein supplements represents a risk not only to athlete health but also to their ability to follow the anti-doping code imposed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) (39, 72).”
From Junior athletes’ nutritional demands: a narrative review of consumption and prevalence of eating disorders (2024) · cites this paper as [72]
In the citing paper
“they suggest that adolescent athletes be at risk of consuming such products, as 19% of them obtain the information from the internet and 17% buy their supplements online (72).”
From Junior athletes’ nutritional demands: a narrative review of consumption and prevalence of eating disorders (2024) · cites this paper as [72]
In the citing paper
“this is concerning as the use of supplements without recommendations by professionals such as accredited practicing sports dietitians or medical doctors is widespread, despite the risks of contamination with banned substances and unintended health side effects(1,64,65).”
From Adolescent athletes have better general than sports nutrition knowledge and lack awareness of supplement recommendations: a systematic literature review (2024) · cites this paper as [65]
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Cites
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Cited by
Adolfsson, P., Riddell, M. C., Taplin, C. E., Davis, E. A., Fournier, P. A., Annan, F., Scaramuzza, A. E., Hasnani, D., & Hofer, S. E. (2018) · Pediatric Diabetes · doi:10.1111/pedi.12755 · Cited by 191
Nutritional Recommendations for the Young Athlete
Hecht, C., Bank, N., Cook, B., & Mistovich, R. J. (2023) · Journal of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America · doi:10.55275/jposna-2023-599 · Cited by 48
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Metadata
- Authors
- Whitehouse, G., & Lawlis, T.
- Affiliations
- School of Public Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Health University of Canberra Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Venue
- Nutrition & Dietetics
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2017-07-26
- Volume
- 74
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 509-515
- ISSN
- 1446-6368
- 1747-0080
- Cited by
- 43
- References
- 9
- Language
- en
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Contains information from the Semantic Scholar Academic Graph Datasets, made available under the ODC Attribution License (ODC-BY 1.0).
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