Collegiate Strength Trained Males And Protein Supplement Purchasing Decisions

Author

Matthew Allen Dallefeld, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

1-1-2008

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Food and Nutrition

First Advisor

Higginbotham, Allan

Abstract

The nutritional supplement business has become a billion dollar industry. Many individuals are looking to increase endurance, strength, and muscle mass and as a result are using various types of nutritional supplements, including protein supplements. While data indicate the prevalence for the purchasing of protein supplements is high, it is still unclear what factors these individuals consider when purchasing these supplements. Sixty-seven questionnaires were returned from collegiate, non-athlete males who strength train in the Student Recreation Center at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. The questionnaire aimed to determine the frequency of protein supplement purchasing, the factors the subjects considered when purchasing protein supplements and also the subjects primary sources of information on the supplements they purchase. Seventy-two percent of the subjects had purchased protein supplements. The three factors considered most were the cost of the protein, grams of protein per serving, and type of protein. The three sources used most were friend/peer, magazine, and internet website. Dietitians need to further market themselves to this population of collegiate non-athletes. They have the skill and capability to provide them with the knowledge on nutrition and nutritional supplements and their role in physical performance.