Understanding the Numbers: What Percent of Athletes Use Supplements?

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

A broad spectrum of research indicates that between 40% and nearly 100% of athletes use some form of dietary supplement, with the variation depending on the specific sport and competition level. So, what percent of athletes use supplements and what factors drive this widespread practice in the athletic community?

Quick Summary

Studies reveal wide variations in supplement usage among athletes, driven by factors such as performance goals, sport type, and information sources like coaches and the internet. The data highlights common motivations like muscle gain and health improvement, while also raising concerns about misinformation and health risks. Supplementation is common, but its use requires careful consideration and education.

Key Points

Wide-Ranging Prevalence: The percentage of athletes using supplements varies significantly, with studies showing rates anywhere from 40% to nearly 100%, influenced by sport and competition level.
Performance and Recovery Motivated: Key reasons for supplement use include enhancing athletic performance (speed, strength), improving body composition (muscle gain), and accelerating recovery after exercise.
Coaches and Internet as Primary Sources: Athletes often rely on informal sources like coaches and the internet for supplement information, leading to potential knowledge gaps and misinformation.
Risks of Contamination and Doping: Contamination with banned substances is a major risk, as supplements are not always strictly regulated, which can lead to positive drug tests and health issues.
Commonly Used Supplements: Popular supplements include whey protein, creatine, caffeine, and various vitamins and minerals like D, C, and magnesium.
Education is Crucial: Due to the risks and potential for misinformation, athlete education and consultation with sports nutrition professionals are critical for safe and effective supplement use.

The use of dietary supplements is a ubiquitous and multifaceted phenomenon in the world of sports. Athletes, from high school amateurs to elite professionals, are continuously seeking methods to enhance their performance, accelerate recovery, and gain a competitive edge. However, the landscape of supplement use is complex, with prevalence rates varying dramatically depending on numerous factors. Understanding these trends requires a deeper look into the research, motivations, and common supplements involved. For instance, studies have shown rates as high as 82.2% among young international athletes and 57.9% among a group of fitness athletes in a 2023 survey. A meta-analysis published in 2022 suggests the overall prevalence is in the 40–70% range, while some reports cite nearly 60-80% on a regular basis. This wide variation underscores the need to examine specific groups and their unique circumstances.

Prevalence Varies by Sport and Level

Research consistently shows that the percentage of athletes using supplements is not uniform across all sports or competition levels. Bodybuilders and strength athletes often exhibit very high rates, sometimes approaching 100%, driven by goals related to muscle growth. Elite athletes also tend to show high rates of use due to the demands of their training and the pursuit of a competitive advantage, with some studies reporting up to 85% among elite track and field athletes. Collegiate athletes also show significant supplement use, though studies present varying figures depending on the specific population and methodology. Even young and adolescent athletes use supplements, often influenced by coaches or peers, with one multi-country study of 15-18 year olds showing an 82.2% prevalence.

Key Motivations Behind Supplement Use

Several factors drive the decision to use supplements among athletes, extending beyond just performance enhancement to include health, body image, and convenience. Athletes use supplements to gain a competitive edge by improving endurance, speed, strength, and focus, with creatine being a popular choice for high-intensity activities. Faster recovery is another key motivation, with supplements like whey protein used to aid muscle repair. Some athletes use supplements to address nutrient deficiencies or improve body composition, while the convenience of supplements like protein shakes also plays a role in busy lifestyles.

The Most Common Supplements

Certain supplements are consistently popular among athletes. These include protein supplements like whey, widely used for muscle repair and growth, and creatine, known for enhancing strength and power in short-duration activities. Caffeine is used for alertness and endurance, while various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium, and iron are taken to address deficiencies. Other supplements include beetroot juice and nitrates for endurance, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) for muscle protein synthesis, although research on BCAAs is mixed.

Comparing Common Supplements


Supplement	Primary Purpose	Level of Evidence (Performance)	Potential Risks / Considerations
Creatine	Increases power and strength for high-intensity, short-duration exercise.	High evidence base for specific uses.	Possible weight gain (water retention), GI issues in some users.
Whey Protein	Aids muscle repair, growth, and recovery.	High evidence base for enhancing muscle training response.	Generally safe at recommended doses; potential GI discomfort.
Caffeine	Enhances alertness, endurance, and reduces perceived exertion.	High evidence base for endurance activities.	Insomnia, restlessness, GI issues, tachycardia with high doses.
Beta-Alanine	Increases muscle carnosine, delaying fatigue during high-intensity exercise.	Mixed evidence; shows benefits in activities lasting 1-4 minutes.	Paresthesia (tingling) is a common side effect.
Nitrates (Beetroot)	Improves endurance by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles.	Mixed evidence; shows benefits for endurance and economy.	Minimal risks reported at typical doses.

Information Sources and Education

Athletes frequently rely on informal sources like coaches and the internet for supplement information, often ahead of qualified nutrition professionals, which can lead to misinformation. This highlights the critical need for education on the nuances of supplementation and the importance of a food-first approach. Qualified dietitians or sports medicine specialists should be the primary resource for guidance.

Risks and Regulations

Supplement use carries risks, including contamination with substances banned by anti-doping agencies like WADA. The NCAA also warns of the lack of strict regulation and the potential for positive drug tests. Health risks, such as hormonal and cardiovascular issues, have also been linked to some products. Third-party testing can help mitigate dangers, though it doesn't eliminate all risks. The cost of supplements can also be a barrier for some athletes.

Conclusion

Determining exactly what percent of athletes use supplements reveals a wide range, influenced by factors like sport and competition level. While supplement use is common, driven by motivations like performance enhancement and dietary needs, reliance on informal information sources and the potential for contamination raise concerns. Athletes should prioritize a food-first approach and seek advice from qualified nutrition experts for safe and effective supplementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Among the most common supplements used by athletes are protein powders (especially whey), creatine, caffeine, vitamins (such as D and C), and minerals (like magnesium and iron). These are used for various purposes, including muscle repair, strength gains, and addressing nutrient deficiencies.

The wide variation in reported percentages is due to differences in research methodology, the definition of a 'supplement' used by the study, the specific sport or athletic population surveyed, and the level of competition. Factors like age, gender, and geographic location also play a role.

Not always. Some studies have found gender-based differences in motivations. For example, males are sometimes more focused on supplements for performance enhancement and muscle growth (e.g., protein, creatine), while females may use them more for general health reasons or to address vitamin deficiencies (e.g., iron, multivitamins).

Supplement use is not without risks. Products are not always strictly regulated and may be contaminated with banned substances not listed on the label, which can lead to a positive doping test. There are also potential health risks, with some products having documented adverse effects. It is recommended to use products certified by third-party testing programs.

Athletes should primarily seek information from qualified and knowledgeable sources, such as registered dietitians, sports nutritionists, or physicians. Relying on advice from coaches or information found online can be risky due to the potential for misinformation.

The 'food-first' approach prioritizes obtaining necessary nutrients from a well-balanced diet of whole foods rather than relying on supplements. Supplements should only be used to fill specific nutrient gaps that cannot be met through diet or to correct medically diagnosed deficiencies.

Reported adverse effects from supplement use include hormonal disorders, restlessness, aggression, nausea, vomiting, and cardiovascular complications, particularly from unregulated or excessively consumed products. The risk of side effects should always be carefully considered and discussed with a medical professional.