Consumption and physicochemical evaluation of dietary supplements used by handball players in Yaounde (Cameroon)

Introduction: The consumption of dietary supplements with ergogenic purposes is widespread among athletes, despite uncertainties regarding their quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical quality of the most commonly consumed dietary supplements among handball players in Yaounde.
Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted over an eight-month period. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among first-division handball players using a semi-structured digital questionnaire. The most frequently consumed dietary supplements were subsequently subjected to physicochemical evaluation, including label examination and quantification of selected active substances using reference analytical methods.
Results: A total of 106 handball players participated in the survey, with a predominance of female athletes (57.45%). The 26–30-year age group was the most represented. Dietary supplement consumption increased with weekly training duration and competitive level, with international-level athletes being the highest consumers. Vitamin C and energy drinks were the most commonly used supplements. Physicochemical analysis of the most consumed energy drink revealed sugar contents ranging from 350% to 506% of the declared values, while actual caffeine content ranged from 0.93% to 31.25% of the labeled amounts.
Conclusion: These findings highlight insufficient physicochemical quality and limited labeling reliability for certain dietary supplements. The use of these products may expose athletes to nutritional and health risks, underscoring the need for professional supervision and strengthened regulatory control.