Consumption and knowledge of protein supplements in the Spanish adult population: A cross-sectional survey-based study.

About one-third of surveyed Spanish respondents reported consuming protein supplements.

• 35.7% of respondents reported consuming protein supplements (PS).
• The cross-sectional observational study used a digital questionnaire (Google Forms) with 168 participants aged 15-70 years.

Increasing muscle mass was the main reason for protein supplement consumption among consumers.

• 66.7% of PS consumers reported increasing muscle mass as their main reason for use.

All participants recognised risks associated with excessive protein supplement consumption.

• 100% of participants recognised the risks associated with excessive consumption.

A sizeable proportion of participants were unaware that maximum recommended intakes of protein supplements exist.

• 26.2% were unaware of the existence of maximum recommended intakes.

Among participants aware of maximum intake limits, most believed the limit was above 30 g of PS per day.

• The majority of those who knew about maximum intakes believed that the maximum was above 30 g PS/day.

The study found a substantial gap between PS consumption and knowledge of safe intake levels, supporting a larger role for community pharmacists.

• PS use is often undertaken without supervision of a healthcare professional, potentially leading to excessive or inappropriate intake.
• The authors conclude that the role of community pharmacists as key healthcare professionals in promoting rational and safe PS use should be strengthened.