Using a validated questionnaire, researchers from Seville, Spain, assessed the frequency with which 316 federated female road cyclists took SS as well as the types of supplements and the reasoning for supplementation.
Results published in the journal Nutrients showed that as many as 85.1% of the female road cyclists surveyed used SS. The primary reason given for supplementation was for health status, with athletic performance listed as the second most common driver.
“These results provide the first evidence of SS consumption among female federated road cyclists and highlight specific patterns to consider,” the researchers wrote.
Cycling sports supplements
Cycling is a physically demanding sport with substantial aerobic demands. SS can play a crucial role in training and competition planning, predominately used to improve energy availability, performance, training support and micronutrient management.
The consumption of SS is widespread among athletes and increases among elite competitive athletes compared to those at lower levels in the same sport. However, SS consumption is higher in men than in women of the same category, level and sport.
The number of federative licenses in women’s cycling in Spain has recently increased. However, the authors of the current study noted, "despite advancements in gender equality and the increasing participation of women in various sports, there is a notable lack of scientific studies aimed at establishing specific nutritional recommendations for female athletes and other physically active women."
Female road cyclists
The authors contacted clubs and associations registered with the Andalusian Cycling Federation (FAC) via email.
The survey requested information on the types of supplements consumed, reasons for their consumption, sources of advice, places of purchase, times of intake and perceptions of the results obtained. SS were categorized according to the groups and subgroups established by the Australian Sports Institute (AIS, 2023) based on the level of evidence supporting their use.
The analysis found that 85.1% of the female road cyclists surveyed used SS, with an average consumption of seven supplements per individual.
The most frequently consumed supplements were sports bars (77.5%), sports gels (61.4%) and caffeine (49.1%). Other notable supplements included mixed macronutrient supplements (26.3%), beta-alanine (10.4%), sodium bicarbonate (8.2%) and creatine (5.7%).
Health status (78.2%), athletic performance (67.9%) and nutritional deficiency (47.5%) were reported as the primary motivations for SS use.
Participants reported that the main advisors for supplementation were dietitian-nutritionists (58.9%), medical doctors (44.6%) and fitness coaches (36.4%). According to the results, amateur athletes were less likely to seek professional advice.
The primary sources for purchasing were pharmacies (60.8%) and specialized stores (59.2%), however, the researchers noted that a relatively high rate of online purchases (44.9%) posed a risk of inadvertent doping due to potential contamination and lack of regulation.
They added that the underuse of scientifically validated supplements highlighted a gap in optimal SS utilization.
“Given the low consumption of many supplements in the performance supplement subgroup, such as beta-alanine, sodium bicarbonate, creatine, dietary nitrate/beetroot juice and glycerol, it is essential to inform athletes about their potential benefits,” the study concluded “Additionally, studying their specific ergogenic effects through randomized controlled trials in the context of women’s road cycling is recommended.”
Journal: Nutrients
doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16152563
“Sports Supplement Consumption in 316 Federated Female Road Cyclists.”
Authors: García-Durán, J. Et al