The purpose of this study was to investigate intake of protein supplements by university students majoring in physical education. Intake experience rate, reasons for intake, purchasing place, effectiveness, satisfaction level, and side effects were analyzed using a questionnaire. Of 476 students, those who consumed protein supplements were 198 (41.6%). Male's intake experience rate was significantly higher than that of females, and members of health-related clubs also consumed more protein than

more »

... non-members. The main purchasing place was internet shopping malls, and users obtained information from their friends or upperclassmen. The most frequently consumed protein supplement was 'WPH', and the most frequent reason for intake was 'building muscle or maintaining body shape'. For effectiveness, 'normal' was 49.0% and 'effectiveness' was 33.3%. For satisfaction, 'satisfaction' was 45.5% and 'normal' was 43.4%. The rate of side effects was 44.9%, and digestive issues such as diarrhea and indigestion were observed with high frequency. The results of this study show that education is needed for nutritional knowledge, adequate intake, and side effects of protein supplements.