A recent study published in the journal called Healthcare tackled the use, knowledge, and attitudes concerning protein supplement use among Saudi adults and revealed some interesting gender-specific differences.
The study was conducted in Riyadh and involved 354 adults, 58.2% of whom were women.
Recent reforms and favorable sociopolitical changes in Saudi Arabia have increased the chances for women to engage in fitness activities. And this has led to an increased intake of protein supplements among Saudi ladies.
Expectedly, easier access to fitness centers increased their use of supplements.
This was especially true of protein supplements, which were identified as the most common supplement type used by gym goers (close to 50% of participants admitted to taking this type of supplement).
However, women’s motivations for taking dietary supplements differed greatly from men’s.
For example, males tended to take dietary supplements to increase strength, improve muscular growth, and enhance athletic performance.
On the other hand, women tended to use supplements to improve health, enhance recovery after physical activities, and weight loss.
The study also identified gender-specific differences related to gym attendance. Namely, men were twice as likely to visit fitness centers than women (64.4% vs. 34.6%), and they tended to do so more frequently (80.3% vs. 41%).
Men were also more likely to consume higher amounts of protein supplements than women.
Finally, the study suggested that men and women had different preferences when it came to the form of protein supplements. While men preferred protein powder, women favored protein snacks.
