The Use of Medications and Dietary Supplements by Masters Athletes — a Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Masters athletes (MA) are generally considered healthier than their sedentary peers. However, the prevalence of chronic conditions in any population increases with age. Treatments involve pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. A substantial proportion of the general population also use dietary supplements (DS). This raises questions about the potential for drug-nutrient interactions which may lead to adverse effects. We sought to determine the potential for drug-nutrient interactions MA may be exposed to by examining the prevalence of chronic conditions treated with medications and their DS use. RECENT FINDINGS: Common conditions in MA include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma, osteoarthritis, depression and anxiety. Treatments may involve prescribed medications. Few recent studies were identified on DS use; however, indications are for around 60% prevalence of supplement usage. SUMMARY: The higher prevalence of DS use by MA may result in drug-nutrient interactions that impact the effectiveness and safety of prescribed medications for chronic conditions.