Browsing by Author "Erdman, Kelly Anne"

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    Evaluation of congruence among dietary supplement use and motivation for supplementation in young, Canadian athletes
    (BioMed Central, 2015-12-16) Parnell, Jill A; Wiens, Kristin P; Erdman, Kelly Anne
    BACKGROUND: Dietary supplement use is endemic in young athletes; however, it is unclear if their choices are congruent with their motivation for supplementation and the established benefits of the dietary supplements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between dietary supplement use and self-reported rationale in young athletes. METHODS: Canadian athletes (n = 567; 11-25 years; 76 % club or provincial level, 24 % national or higher) completed a questionnaire designed to assess supplementation patterns and motivation for supplementation. Chi square tests examined associations between dietary supplements and self-reported rationale for use. RESULTS: Vitamin and mineral supplements, including vitamin-enriched water, were associated with several health- and performance- related reasons (p < 0.001). Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) and glutamine were linked to improving diet and immune function (p < 0.01), but were more strongly associated with performance reasons, as were performance foods (protein powder, sport bars, sport gels, etc.). Plant extracts and fatty acids were primarily associated with health reasons, particularly immune support (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Congruencies exist between performance rationales and supplementation for common ergogenic aids, however, less so for vitamin and mineral supplements, vitamin-enriched water, and plant extracts. Incongruences were found between fatty acids, protein supplements, vitamin and mineral supplements, vitamin-enriched water, and plant extracts and health motivators for supplementation. Educational interventions are essential to ensure young athletes are using dietary supplements safely and effectively.
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    Evaluation of the dietary supplementation patterns among Calgary-based high performance athletes
    (2004) Erdman, Kelly Anne; Reimer, Raylene
    It is well documented that athletes report greater dietary supplement (d.s.) usage than non-athletes, however, limited data exists regarding ds practices among Canadian athletes. This descriptive and analytical, cross-sectional research investigated dietary supplementation practices, and opinions, preferred means for d.s. education, and antidoping opinions among elite athletes in the Calgary area. Subjects completed the validated questionnaire by recall. Combined, 582 high performance athletes (314 M, 268 F) representing 27 sports between 11 -42 yrs (mean 19.96 ± 3.91 yrs) participated. The majority (88.4%) reported taking ≥ 1 d.s. during the previous 6 months; mean of 3.08 ± 1.87 d.s. per user. The older and/or higher competitive performance level respondents indicated greater usage. From 1555 d.s. declared, sports drinks (22.4%), sports bars (14.0%), multivitamins and minerals (13.5%), protein supplements (9.0%), and vitamin C (6.4%) were most frequently reported. Family/friends, teammates, and coaches were the primary d.s. advisors. Usage was justified to support physiological demands, and to prevent nutritional deficiencies and/or illness. Most (89.9%) believed they were in compliance with anti-doping regulations and found these rules "easy" to understand. This database is the first of its kind in Canada with potential for extension nationally.