A University of Toronto study on muscle-building supplement use among Canadian adolescents and young adults reveals a high prevalence and significant health risks, influenced heavily by social media. The study calls for improved public health strategies, enhanced healthcare provider education, and stricter supplement regulation. A new study from the University of Toronto has uncovered significant findings on the use of muscle-building supplements, like whey protein and creatine, among adolescents and young adults in Canada.
The study offers a detailed evaluation of how widespread supplement use is, what influences it, and the potential risks involved. These insights are crucial for healthcare providers, public health experts, and policymakers. Analyzing data 912 participants from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Health Behaviors, a national study focused on the mental, social, and behavioral health of individuals16 to 30 years old, the study found that close to 60% of the respondents reported using protein bars and just over half reported using whey protein powders or protein shakes which were the most commonly used muscle-building supplement.
Boys and men reported higher usage rates compared to girls, women, and transgender/gender-expansive (TGE) participants. “The boys and men in our study reported using an average of three muscle-building supplements in the past 12 months,” says Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW, the lead author on the study.
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