About 67% of physically active adults in Saudi Arabia use dietary supplements, according to Gram Research analysis of a 2024 cross-sectional study of 755 participants. The reasons for using supplements differ by sex: women who do fitness or strength training are more likely to use them, while men who train more frequently are more likely to use them. Younger people reported more side effects from supplements, and many people don’t read nutrition labels before purchasing.
A new study of 755 physically active adults in Saudi Arabia found that nearly 7 out of 10 people use dietary supplements like vitamins and protein powders. Gram Research analysis shows that men and women have different reasons for taking supplements: women tend to use them if they do fitness or strength training, while men are more likely to use them if they train frequently or have certain jobs. The research also found that younger people reported more side effects from supplements, and many people don’t read the nutrition labels before buying. Understanding these patterns helps health experts give better advice about safe supplement use.
Key Statistics
A 2024 cross-sectional study of 755 physically active adults in Saudi Arabia found that 505 participants (66.9%) reported using at least one dietary supplement during the previous year.
Among women in the study, dietary supplement use was significantly associated with fitness-oriented, strength-oriented, and cardio-oriented physical activities, while among men it was associated with training frequency and employment status.
Younger age was significantly associated with self-reported adverse effects from dietary supplements in the 2024 Saudi Arabia study, with younger participants reporting more side effects than older participants.
A 2024 analysis of 755 active adults found that nutritional fact-label reading was associated with female sex, public-sector employment, and greater perceived metabolic enhancement from supplements.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Why physically active adults in Saudi Arabia use dietary supplements, how often they take them, whether they experience side effects, and if they read nutrition labels
- Who participated: 755 healthy adults aged 18 to 60 years living in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia who had been exercising regularly for at least 12 weeks. The group was split almost equally between men (379) and women (376)
- Key finding: About 67% of active adults reported using at least one dietary supplement in the past year, but the reasons differed between men and women. Women who did fitness or strength training were more likely to use supplements, while men who trained more frequently or worked in certain jobs were more likely to use them
- What it means for you: If you exercise regularly, you’re likely to consider supplements, but your reasons for using them may depend on your sex and the type of exercise you do. It’s important to read labels and talk to a healthcare provider, especially if you’re young, since younger people in this study reported more side effects
The Research Details
Researchers surveyed 755 physically active adults in Saudi Arabia between November 2023 and January 2024. Participants answered detailed questions online about their exercise habits, which supplements they used, any side effects they experienced, where they bought supplements, and whether they read nutrition labels. This type of study, called a cross-sectional study, takes a snapshot of a group at one point in time rather than following people over months or years.
The researchers used a method called quota sampling, which means they intentionally recruited equal numbers of men and women to make sure both groups were well represented. All participants were Saudi nationals aged 18 to 60 who had exercised consistently for at least 12 weeks before joining the study.
To find patterns, the researchers used statistical tools that could identify which factors, like age, sex, job type, and exercise style, were connected to supplement use. They looked separately at men and women because they suspected the reasons for taking supplements might be different between the sexes.
Understanding why people use supplements is important because it helps health professionals give better advice. If we know that women doing strength training are more likely to use supplements, doctors can focus on educating that group about safety. Similarly, knowing that younger people report more side effects means healthcare providers should pay special attention to younger supplement users. This research also shows that supplement use is not a one-size-fits-all behavior, so public health messages need to be tailored to different groups.
This study has several strengths: it included a large number of participants (755), it collected data directly from people through a validated questionnaire, and it looked at both men and women separately. However, because it was a snapshot study rather than following people over time, we can’t say for certain that one factor causes another, only that they’re connected. The study only included people from one region of Saudi Arabia, so the results may not apply to all Saudis or to people in other countries. Additionally, people self-reported their supplement use and side effects, which means some information might not be completely accurate.
What the Results Show
Out of 755 participants, 505 people (about 67%) reported using at least one dietary supplement during the previous year. This shows that supplement use is very common among people who exercise regularly in Saudi Arabia. However, the reasons why men and women used supplements were different. Among women, the type of exercise mattered most: those who did fitness-focused activities, strength training, or cardio workouts were significantly more likely to use supplements. Among men, how often they trained and their job situation were the biggest factors. Men who trained more frequently and those working in certain employment situations were more likely to use supplements.
Supplementation frequency, meaning how often people took supplements, was connected to several factors. People who trained more frequently took supplements more often, and older participants tended to take supplements more regularly than younger ones. Interestingly, men and women also differed in their supplementation patterns. Additionally, people who reported better recovery after exercise were more likely to take supplements regularly, suggesting they may have believed the supplements were helping them recover.
When it came to side effects, younger participants were more likely to report experiencing problems from supplements compared to older participants. People who bought supplements online, particularly through the internet, reported more side effects than those who purchased them in stores. This could mean that online shoppers were buying different types of supplements or perhaps lower-quality products, or it could mean they were more likely to notice and report side effects.
The study found important patterns about how people choose supplements. Women were more likely than men to read nutrition labels before buying supplements. People who worked in the public sector were more likely to read labels than those in other employment situations. Additionally, people who believed their supplements were making a bigger difference in their fitness or health were more likely to read the labels, possibly because they were more engaged with their supplement use overall. This suggests that education and awareness about supplement ingredients and safety information varies by demographic group.
This research builds on earlier findings showing that supplement use is common among active people worldwide. Previous studies in other countries have also found that men and women use supplements for different reasons and that exercise type matters. However, this is one of the first detailed studies looking at supplement use specifically in Saudi Arabia, so it adds important information about how culture, employment, and exercise preferences in this region influence supplement choices. The finding that younger people report more side effects aligns with some international research, though the reasons aren’t completely clear.
The study only included people from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, so results may not represent all Saudis or people in other regions or countries. Because people self-reported their supplement use and side effects, some information might be inaccurate or incomplete. The study was a snapshot in time, so we can’t determine whether supplement use causes certain outcomes or whether other factors we didn’t measure were involved. The researchers couldn’t determine cause and effect, only associations or connections between factors. Additionally, the study didn’t measure the actual quality or safety of the supplements people were using, only whether they reported side effects.
The Bottom Line
If you exercise regularly, talk to a doctor or registered dietitian before starting supplements, especially if you’re under 30 years old, since younger people in this study reported more side effects. Always read the nutrition label and ingredient list before buying supplements. Be cautious when purchasing supplements online, as this study found more side effects reported among online shoppers. Choose supplements from reputable brands and retailers. Consider your specific exercise goals: if you do strength training, you might benefit from discussing protein supplements with a professional, while those doing cardio might have different needs. These recommendations have moderate confidence because the study shows associations but cannot prove cause and effect.
This research is most relevant to physically active adults, particularly those in Saudi Arabia or similar regions. It’s especially important for younger exercisers (under 30) to pay attention, since they reported more side effects. Women doing strength or fitness training should be aware that many people like them use supplements. Men who train frequently should know they’re part of a common pattern of supplement use. Healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia and similar countries should use this information to give better advice to their active patients. People considering buying supplements online should be particularly cautious based on these findings.
Changes in supplement use and benefits typically take 4 to 12 weeks to notice, depending on the type of supplement and your individual body. Side effects, if they occur, often appear within days to weeks of starting a new supplement. Reading labels and making informed choices can happen immediately. If you’re tracking recovery or fitness improvements related to supplements, give yourself at least 8 weeks to see meaningful changes while monitoring how you feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do most people who exercise regularly take dietary supplements?
Yes, about 67% of physically active adults in Saudi Arabia reported using at least one dietary supplement in the past year, according to a 2024 study of 755 participants. This shows supplements are very common among exercisers.
Why do men and women take supplements for different reasons?
Research shows women who do strength or fitness training are more likely to use supplements, while men who train more frequently or work in certain jobs are more likely to use them. The type of exercise and work situation appear to influence supplement choices differently by sex.
Are younger people more likely to experience side effects from supplements?
A 2024 study found that younger participants reported significantly more side effects from dietary supplements compared to older participants. This suggests younger supplement users should be especially careful and talk to a healthcare provider.
Should I buy supplements online or in stores?
The 2024 research found that people who bought supplements online reported more side effects than those who purchased them in physical stores. Consider buying from reputable retailers and always read labels regardless of where you purchase.
How often should I read supplement nutrition labels?
Read the label before every purchase, not just the first time. A 2024 study found that women, public-sector employees, and people who noticed better fitness results were more likely to read labels. Making this a habit helps ensure you’re buying safe, quality products.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log each supplement you take daily, including the brand, type (protein, vitamin, mineral, etc.), dose, and any side effects or benefits you notice. Track this for at least 8 weeks to identify patterns in how supplements affect your recovery, energy, or workout performance
- Set a reminder to read the nutrition label on any new supplement before purchasing it. Take a photo of the label with the app and note three key ingredients or concerns. This creates a habit of informed purchasing and helps you compare products over time
- Create a weekly check-in where you rate your recovery quality, energy levels, and any physical changes on a scale of 1 to 10. Link these ratings to your supplement log to see if there’s a real connection between what you’re taking and how you feel. Share this data with a healthcare provider during annual check-ups
This research describes patterns and associations among supplement users in Saudi Arabia but does not prove that supplements cause specific outcomes. Individual responses to supplements vary greatly. Before starting any dietary supplement, especially if you are under 30, pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have existing health conditions, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always purchase supplements from reputable sources and read labels carefully. If you experience side effects, stop use and contact a healthcare professional.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.