Patterns of consumption of energy drinks and caffeine-based food supplements by gym goers

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the level of knowledge, habits, and prevalence of consumption of energy drinks and supplements based on caffeine by practitioners of physical exercises in gyms. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire of 27 topics was used on Google® Forms, published on social media between September and October 2018. Results: 200 gym goers participated, 71% young adults, 52% having more than two years of practice, and attendance regular 5 - 6 times a week. Most were women (58.5%), bodybuilders (61.6%), and from Minas Gerais State (62.5%). Consumption without professional guidance was 81.6% for energy drinks and 53.9% for caffeine-based supplements. Most energy consumers (73.3%) had goals related to social activities, preferring the RedBul® brand (40.4%). Among consumers of caffeine supplements, there was a preference for thermogenic (32.7%) and pure caffeine (29.9%), with the primary objective of improving performance (28.7%), presenting ergolytic responses of tachycardia and palpitations as recorded in energy drinks. There was no record of adverse effects in 19.2% of caffeine consumers and 40.8% of energy drinkers. The consumption dosages of the products were within the safety range (< 6 mg/kg). Conclusion: The consumption of both products was made without professional guidance, however, with dosages within the safety range. The consumption of energy drinks aimed at social activities and improved sports performance. Ergolytic effects have been reported.