Table 5.

Main characteristics of the studies that was included in the systematic review

Author/Year	Population/Sample	Results
Silva Junior (et al., 2008)	120 physically active subjects 14 to 41 years old (77 men and 43 women) in a gym academy in Rio de Janeiro	Vitamins, amino acids and diet pills are the most consumed without prescription. Half (50%) use anabolic steroids for muscle hypertrophy
Iriart; Chaves; Orleans (2009)	Ethnographic qualitative study with 43 male bodybuilders in Salvador (BA) who used anabolic; participative observation	Food supplements and supplements have priority among physically active subjects to the detriment of a balanced diet with carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the ideal amount
Trog e Teixeira (2009)	63 bodybuilders (39 men and 24 women) in 4 gyms of Irati (PR) aged between 19 and 27 years	Most men make use of dietary supplements, and women in a lower percentage. Many recognize the health risks, admit to feel harmed, but continue to increase muscle mass