Researchers surveyed 537 active people and athletes about their supplement use and overall quality of life. Nearly half reported taking at least one supplement, usually to boost performance or appearance. Interestingly, people taking supplements reported slightly less pain, but the difference was small. The study suggests that supplements are popular in sports, but they may not significantly improve how people feel overall. The findings raise questions about why athletes use supplements and whether they’re actually delivering the benefits people expect.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether people who take dietary supplements while exercising feel better overall compared to those who don’t take supplements
  • Who participated: 537 adults of various ages and fitness levels, ranging from casual exercisers to professional athletes, who completed an online survey
  • Key finding: About 47% of active people take supplements, but those who do don’t report significantly better overall quality of life. The only meaningful difference was slightly less body pain in supplement users, though this effect was small.
  • What it means for you: Taking supplements is common among athletes, but the research suggests they may not make you feel dramatically better. If you’re considering supplements, focus on whether they address a specific concern (like pain) rather than expecting them to improve your overall well-being. Always talk to a doctor before starting supplements.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which is like taking a snapshot in time. Researchers asked 537 people who exercise regularly to fill out an online survey about their supplement use, exercise habits, and how they feel physically and emotionally. They asked about things like what supplements people take, why they take them, and how often they exercise. Then they compared the answers from people who take supplements to those who don’t.

The researchers used a standard tool called the SF-36 questionnaire to measure quality of life. This tool asks questions about physical health, emotional well-being, pain levels, and how well people can do their daily activities. They then used statistical tests to see if there were meaningful differences between supplement users and non-users.

This approach is useful because it shows real-world patterns in how athletes actually use supplements and how they feel. However, because it’s a snapshot rather than following people over time, we can’t say for certain whether supplements cause better quality of life or whether people who already feel better are more likely to take supplements. The study gives us a clear picture of what’s happening but not necessarily why.

The study included a large number of participants (537), which makes the findings more reliable. The researchers used a well-established quality of life measurement tool that’s been used in many other studies. However, because people filled out surveys online, we don’t know if they answered honestly or accurately. The study is also limited because it only shows associations (connections) between supplement use and quality of life, not whether supplements actually cause improvements.

What the Results Show

Nearly half of the participants (46.7%) reported taking at least one supplement, with the average person taking about two different products. The most common reasons for taking supplements were to improve athletic performance (30.7%) and to improve both performance and appearance (12.1%).

When researchers compared quality of life between supplement users and non-users, they found some interesting patterns. Supplement users reported less emotional problems and better social functioning compared to non-users. However, the only difference that was considered meaningful in size was related to body pain—supplement users reported less pain than non-users.

The study also found that people who exercise consistently and those motivated by competitive goals were more likely to take supplements. In contrast, people who exercise mainly for general health and mental well-being were less likely to use supplements. This suggests that supplement use is tied to specific goals rather than overall wellness.

The research revealed that supplement use was associated with consistent exercise habits. People who maintained steady workout routines were more likely to take supplements than those with irregular exercise patterns. Additionally, individuals with performance-focused goals were significantly more likely to use supplements compared to those exercising for health reasons. The study also noted that body mass index (BMI) and other physical characteristics were related to supplement use patterns.

Previous research has shown that supplements are widely used in athletic communities, which this study confirms. However, most earlier studies focused on whether supplements improve athletic performance, not on overall quality of life. This study adds new information by showing that while supplements are popular, they don’t seem to dramatically improve how athletes feel overall. The findings align with growing concerns that supplements may be used more for psychological reasons (wanting to feel like you’re doing something) than for proven health benefits.

This study has several important limitations. First, it only shows associations—we can’t prove that supplements cause better quality of life. It’s possible that people who already feel better are more likely to take supplements, or that people with pain take supplements hoping to feel better. Second, the study relied on people’s honest answers in online surveys, which may not always be accurate. Third, the study didn’t track people over time, so we don’t know if supplement use actually changes how people feel. Finally, the study included mostly amateur and recreational athletes, so results may not apply to elite professional athletes.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, taking supplements is unlikely to dramatically improve your overall quality of life if you’re already exercising regularly. If you’re considering supplements, focus on specific goals (like managing pain) rather than expecting general wellness improvements. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications. The evidence suggests that consistent exercise and proper nutrition may be more important for quality of life than supplements.

This research is relevant for anyone considering taking supplements while exercising, including recreational athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and competitive athletes. It’s particularly important for young athletes and their parents to understand that supplements aren’t a magic solution. People with specific concerns like chronic pain might find the research on pain reduction interesting. However, elite professional athletes with specific performance needs may have different supplement considerations not fully addressed by this study.

If you do decide to try a supplement for a specific reason (like pain management), give it at least 4-8 weeks to see if it makes a difference. Quality of life improvements typically develop gradually. However, if you don’t notice benefits after this period, it may not be working for you. Remember that consistent exercise and good sleep are likely to improve how you feel faster than supplements.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your pain levels and emotional well-being on a scale of 1-10 daily, along with which supplements you’re taking. This helps you see if there’s a real connection between supplement use and how you feel, rather than just assuming supplements are helping.
  • Instead of adding supplements, focus on tracking your exercise consistency and motivation. Use the app to log your workouts and note whether you’re exercising for performance, appearance, or health reasons. This awareness can help you make better decisions about whether supplements align with your actual goals.
  • Create a monthly quality of life check-in that measures pain, mood, social activities, and overall well-being. Compare these scores before and after starting any supplement. This personal tracking is more meaningful than general research because it shows what works specifically for you.

This research is informational and should not replace professional medical advice. Before starting any dietary supplement, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. This study shows associations between supplement use and quality of life but does not prove that supplements cause improvements. Individual results vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. The findings apply to generally healthy, active adults and may not apply to people with specific medical conditions.