A 2026 cross-sectional study of 473 young Canadian athletes found that 36% use dietary supplements, with protein powder, sports drinks, and creatine being most common. Male athletes used supplements at nearly twice the rate of female athletes (47% versus 23%). According to Gram Research analysis, athletes who used supplements were 5.5 times more likely to believe supplements improve performance than non-users, though the study couldn’t prove supplements actually enhance athletic ability.
A new study of 473 young athletes at the 2025 Canada Games found that over one-third use dietary supplements, with protein powder and sports drinks being the most popular choices. Male athletes were twice as likely to use supplements as female athletes. Most athletes took supplements to stay healthy and boost energy, getting advice mainly from coaches and doctors. The research shows that athletes who use supplements tend to believe they improve performance more strongly than those who don’t, highlighting the need for better education about which supplements actually work.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 473 young athletes at the Canada Games found that 36% reported current dietary supplement use, with males using supplements at significantly higher rates than females (47% versus 23%).
Among supplement-using young Canadian athletes in a 2026 study, protein powder was the most popular choice at 49%, followed by sports drinks at 46% and creatine at 45%.
A 2026 survey of 473 young Canadian athletes found that supplement users had 5.5 times greater odds of strongly agreeing that supplements improve athletic performance compared to non-users.
In a 2026 study of 473 young Canadian athletes, coaches and healthcare professionals were equally likely to be cited as information sources about supplements, each mentioned by approximately 50% of supplement users.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How many young Canadian athletes use dietary supplements, which supplements they choose, why they use them, and what they believe about supplement benefits.
- Who participated: 473 young athletes competing at the 2025 Canada Games in Newfoundland and Labrador, including 125 males and 189 females who answered all questions about supplements.
- Key finding: 36% of young athletes reported using dietary supplements, with males using them at nearly double the rate of females (47% versus 23%). The most common supplements were protein powder, sports drinks, and creatine.
- What it means for you: If you’re a young athlete, know that many of your peers use supplements. However, not all supplements have strong scientific proof that they work. Talk to a coach or doctor before starting any supplement to make sure it’s safe and actually helpful for your sport.
The Research Details
Researchers created an online survey and asked young athletes at the 2025 Canada Games to answer questions about their supplement use. This type of study, called a cross-sectional survey, takes a snapshot of what people are doing at one point in time. It’s like taking a photograph rather than following people over months or years. The survey asked athletes which supplements they used, why they used them, where they got information about supplements, and what they believed about how well supplements work. The researchers then compared answers between male and female athletes and between different age groups to see if patterns emerged.
This research approach is important because it gives us real-world information about what young athletes actually do, not what scientists think they should do. By surveying a large group of competitive athletes, the researchers captured honest answers about supplement use and beliefs. This helps coaches, doctors, and parents understand what influences young athletes’ choices about supplements and where they get their information.
This study has several strengths: it included a reasonably large sample of 473 athletes, it focused on a specific group (Canadian youth athletes), and it asked detailed questions about both supplement use and beliefs. However, because it’s a snapshot survey rather than an experiment, it can’t prove that supplements actually cause better performance. The study also relied on athletes remembering and honestly reporting their supplement use, which might not always be perfectly accurate. Additionally, the results apply specifically to Canadian youth athletes and may not represent all young athletes worldwide.
What the Results Show
Just over one-third of the young athletes surveyed (36%) reported currently using dietary supplements. This rate was significantly different between males and females: nearly half of male athletes (47%) used supplements compared to less than one-quarter of female athletes (23%). Supplement use also increased as athletes got older, suggesting that older youth athletes were more likely to use supplements than younger ones. The three most popular supplements were protein powder (used by 49% of supplement users), sports drinks (46%), and creatine (45%). These three products dominated the supplement landscape among this group of competitive young athletes.
When asked why they used supplements, athletes gave multiple reasons. The most common reason was maintaining good health (76% of users), followed by increasing energy (54%) and promoting recovery after training (50%). When asked where they got information about supplements, coaches were the top source (50% of users), followed closely by healthcare professionals like doctors and nutritionists (49%). Interestingly, supplement users had much stronger beliefs that supplements improve athletic performance compared to non-users. Athletes who used supplements were 5.5 times more likely to strongly agree that supplements improve performance than those who didn’t use supplements.
According to Gram Research analysis, this study adds important Canadian-specific data to the growing body of research showing that supplement use is common among young athletes worldwide. Previous studies in other countries have found similar patterns of high supplement use among competitive athletes, but this is one of the first detailed looks at Canadian youth athletes specifically. The finding that male athletes use supplements at higher rates than female athletes aligns with patterns seen in other countries, suggesting this may be a consistent trend in youth sports.
This study has several important limitations to keep in mind. First, it’s a snapshot survey, so it can only show what athletes were doing at one moment in time, not whether supplements actually helped them perform better. Second, the study relied on athletes’ memories and honesty when reporting supplement use, which might not be perfectly accurate. Third, the results apply specifically to competitive Canadian youth athletes and may not represent all young athletes or athletes in other countries. Finally, the study didn’t measure whether the supplements athletes used were actually effective or safe, only what they believed about them.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a young athlete considering supplements, talk to your coach, doctor, or sports nutritionist first. Some supplements like protein powder have decent evidence supporting their use for muscle building, while others have less proof. Only use supplements that are tested for safety and purity, and remember that good training and nutrition from regular food are the foundation of athletic performance. Moderate confidence: the evidence supports talking to professionals before using supplements, though individual supplement effectiveness varies.
Young competitive athletes, their parents, coaches, and sports medicine doctors should pay attention to this research. If you’re a casual exerciser or not an athlete, this study is less directly relevant to you, though the general principle of talking to a doctor before starting supplements applies to everyone. Athletes in sports with weight classes or appearance requirements should be especially careful about supplement choices.
If you start using a supplement, give it at least 4 to 8 weeks to see if it makes a difference in your training or performance. Some supplements like creatine take several weeks to build up in your system. However, if you experience any negative side effects, stop immediately and talk to a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What supplements do young athletes use most often?
A 2026 study of 473 Canadian youth athletes found protein powder (49%), sports drinks (46%), and creatine (45%) were the three most commonly used supplements among those who took any supplements at all.
Do more male or female athletes use supplements?
Male athletes use supplements at nearly double the rate of female athletes. In a 2026 survey of 473 young Canadian athletes, 47% of males used supplements compared to 23% of females.
Why do young athletes take dietary supplements?
A 2026 study found young athletes primarily used supplements to maintain good health (76%), increase energy (54%), and promote recovery after training (50%). Most got information from coaches and healthcare professionals.
Should I take supplements if I’m a young athlete?
Talk to your coach, doctor, or sports nutritionist before starting any supplement. While some supplements like protein powder have research support, not all are proven effective. Professional guidance helps ensure any supplement is safe and actually useful for your specific sport.
Do supplements actually improve athletic performance?
This study couldn’t prove supplements improve performance, only that athletes who use them believe they do more strongly than non-users. Some supplements have research support, but effectiveness varies widely. Always verify claims with a healthcare professional.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log each supplement you take daily, including the type, amount, and time of day. Also track your energy levels, recovery time between workouts, and performance metrics specific to your sport. This helps you see if supplements actually make a difference for you personally.
- Before adding any new supplement, use the app to set a reminder to discuss it with your coach or doctor first. Create a decision checklist: Is this supplement tested for safety? Do I have a specific reason for using it? Have I talked to a professional? This builds a habit of informed decision-making.
- Track supplement use alongside performance metrics for 8 to 12 weeks. Note any changes in energy, recovery, or performance. Also monitor for any side effects or concerns. Share this data with your coach or doctor to make evidence-based decisions about continuing each supplement.
This research describes what young Canadian athletes reported using and believing about supplements, but does not prove that any supplement actually improves athletic performance or is safe for all users. Individual responses to supplements vary greatly. Before starting any dietary supplement, especially if you are under 18, have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with a doctor, registered dietitian, or sports medicine professional. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.