TY - JFULL AU - A. Golshanraz and L. Hakemi and L. Pourkazemi and E. Dadgostar and F. Moradzandi and R. Tabatabaee and F. Moradi and K. Hosseinihajiagha and N. Jazayeri and H. Abedifar and R. Fouladi and M. Khooban and H. Saboori and M. Kiani and M. Sajedi and E. Karooninejad and S.Moeen and M.Ghavam and F.Beiranvand and S.Mansoori and F.Gheisari and H.Barzegari PY - 2012/10/ TI - Patterns of Sports Supplement Use among Iranian Female Athletes T2 - International Journal of Sport and Health Sciences SP - 2479 EP - 2483 VL - 6 SN - 1307-6892 UR - https://publications.waset.org/pdf/15234 PU - World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology NX - Open Science Index 69, 2012 N2 - Supplement use is common in athletes. Besides their cost, they may have side effects on health and performance. 250 questionnaires were distributed among female athletes (mean age 27.08 years). The questionnaire aimed to explore the frequency, type, believes, attitudes and knowledge regarding dietary supplements. Knowledge was good in 30.3%, fair in 60.2%, and poor in 9.1% of respondents. 65.3% of athletes did not use supplements regularly. The most widely used supplements were vitamins (48.4%), minerals (42.9%), energy supplements (21.3%), and herbals (20.9%). 68.9% of athletes believed in their efficacy. 34.4% experienced performance enhancement and 6.8% of reported side effects. 68.2% reported little knowledge and 60.9% were eager to learn more. In conclusion, many of the female athletes believe in the efficacy of supplements and think they are an unavoidable part of competitive sports. However, their information is not sufficient. We have to stress on education, consulting sessions, and rational prescription. ER -