The Health Effects of the Combined Use of Protein, Multivitamins and Electrolyte Dietary Supplements on Sri Lankan Athletes: A Pilot Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The combine use of protein, multivitamins and electrolyte dietary supplements daily; multiple supplement (MS), is a common practice among Sri Lankan Athletes. The aim of this study was to determine the relative risk for developing adverse health effects from multiple supplements use. METHOD: A Retrospective Cohort, pilot study was conducted with 45 healthy athletes (23 males and 22 females), age between 22-31. Participants were composed of non-supplement users (n=19) and MS users for 2-5 months’ time (n=25). Their lipid, kidney, liver profiles, full blood count, fasting blood glucose, serum testosterone, urine full report and urine protein/creatinine were tested. Food frequency questionnaire was also filled from each athlete. RESULTS: Increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was significantly higher among multiple supplements users than non-users (P<0.05). Relative risk in increasing total cholesterol between 200-240 mg/dL was 8.7, increasing LDL cholesterol between 160-171 mg/dL was 2.9 and being overweight was 1.3, in MS users compared to non-users. Relative Risk in increasing total cholesterol was 2.9 in female and 7.1 in male while increasing LDL cholesterol was 2.3 in female and 4 in male. There were no statistically significant changes in the other parameters studied. CONCLUSION: Combined use of MS between 2-5 months, has a negative effect on the lipid profile of athletes. More pronounced in male. The clinical implication of this finding needs further study.