國內橄欖球選手使用營養補充劑之現況調查

To investigate the usage of nutritional supplements intake among rugby players in Taiwan. Methods: A survey with questionnaire was conducted on 349 male rugby players. The valid recovery rate was 96.9%. The contents of the questionnaire included basic personal information, the preference of nutritional supplements (including: item, timing and frequency), source of information and reason for taking or not taking the supplement. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Result: The results indicated that 74.4% of rugby players in Taiwan consumed nutritional supplements. Sport drinks were the most popular supplements, consumed by 62.2% of players, the second and third highest supplements were protein (37.8%) and vitamin B-group (24.6%). For the timing of using nutritional supplements, sport drinks (33.5%) and protein (39.8%) were most often being used at post-exercise. Thus, vitamin B-group (36.4%) was most often being used before the competition. The supplements frequency showed that most supplements were used once per a day or irregularly. The main reasons for player who unused the supplements were unknowing what can be used and too expensive. The major reasons for supplements intake were nutrition replacement, increasing muscle mass and energy. The source of information was mainly from coach and teammate. Conclusion: The Taiwan rugby player use of nutritional supplements is prevailing in recent years. These results provide information for improving nutrition education.