THE EFFICIENCY OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTES FOR IMPROVING ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS AND BODY COMPOSITION WHO EXERCISE REGULARLY AT THE COMMERCIAL GYM IN PUDUCHERRY

R. Senthil Kumar* and D. Sultana

ABSTRACT

Objective: Anthropometric Measurements and Body Composition by the use of Dietary Supplements among People Who exercise regularly at the commercial gym In puducherry supplement use was surveyed in a convenience sample of persons who exercised regularly at a commercial gym. Study Design: A the study is quasi experimental in nature. 300 samples were taken using simple random sampling assessment was taken using questioners above 22 years, completed anonymous questionnaires. Materials and Methods: Gym users (N=300) belonging to pondicherry formed the population of this study. A simple percentage technique with 95% confidence interval was adopted to study the prevalence. The variables selected for the study under Anthropometric measurements were Standing Height, Sitting Height, Total Arm Length, Total Leg Length, Upper Arm Girth, Hand Girth, Thigh Girth, Calf Girth and Chest Girth while under Body Composition the variables under taken were body Weight, Percentage of Body Fat and Lean Body Mass. To determine the significant difference between the mean of subjects belonging to pre and post workout on Anthropometric measurements and Body Results: A majority (86.7%) took supplements. Many consumed multivitamin/minerals (MVM; 45%), protein shakes/bars (PRO; 46.3%), vitamin C (37.7%), and vitamin E (VE; 24.4%) at least 5 times per week. Other dietary supplements were used less frequently or by fewer participants. sa was consumed by 28% at least once per wk. Bodybuilders more frequently consumed PRO, creatine, and fruit and nuts salad compared to those exercising for health reasons. Conclusion: In conclusion, many people who exercised extensively at a commercial gym took dietary supplements. A wide variety of vitamin and mineral supplements as well as other herbs and botanicals were chosen. At the time of this study 48% of the participants reported taking fruit salad and 7 additional subjects did not realize that they were doing so. Age of the respondent influenced the choice of supplement and the reason for taking supplements. Participants also chose different supplements, depending on their main reason for exercising. Gyms, such as the one included in this study, may well need to have qualified health professionals such as nutritionists available to members. These professionals can provide accurate information about supplements and assist members to be aware of both positive as well as adverse health effects of dietary supplements. on selected Anthropometric measurements and Body Composition, however a significant difference in Total Leg Length, Total Arm Length and Standing Height was obtained.

Keywords: Anthropometric measurements and Body Composition athletic training, ergogenic aids, nutrient supplementation.