ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The whey protein is one of the proteins of higher biological value because of its high content of amino acids. Therefore, the population has a high consumption of the dietary supplement Whey Protein and this exacerbated use becomes worrisome.
Objective:
To evaluate the profile of Whey Protein (WP) intake as well as verify how it is used, what types are consumed and whether this consumption is associated with physical activity and if there is any professional recommendation.
Methods:
The analyzed population was of students in the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Porto Alegre, enrolled in undergraduate courses of Biological, Natural and Agricultural areas. The areas considered were selected by raffle and in total there were 11 courses belonging to these areas that agreed to participate in the study. The research tool used to the proposed objective was a questionnaire composed of 15 questions, four of which were multiple-choice questions.
Results:
A total 133 individuals aged 18 to 28 years (58.6% males and 41.3% females) participated in the study. As for income, 71.4% of participants earn on average up to three minimum wages. The main reason for consumption of Whey Protein was muscle hypertrophy (83.5%). The use of Whey Protein supplement was indicated in 62.4% of cases by friends, sellers, or own initiative.
Conclusion:
It is evident in the study that the search for better physical performance associated with aesthetic standards seems to be boosting the use of Whey Protein, however it is also necessary to know the risk of excessive use, especially when there is no qualified professional follow-up nor recommendations on quantity, type, and fractionation of the supplement.
Keywords:
proteins; dietary supplements; food consumption