A recent study conducted in Canada has shown a significant increase in the number of teenagers taking dietary supplements necessary for muscle building, indicating that this phenomenon poses serious health risks to the youth.

The University of Toronto conducted this study, which revealed a significant rise in the consumption rates of dietary supplements necessary for muscle building, such as protein and creatine, among teenagers and young adults in the country.

The study included 912 volunteers aged between 16 and 30, and found that 60% of the participants acknowledged consuming protein bars. Fifty percent reported that they consume protein powders and drinks, which are commonly used as dietary supplements for muscle building, with a growing number of males taking these supplements compared to females.

Kyle Johnson, the head of the study team, states, "The boys and men participating in the study revealed that they had taken at least three types of dietary supplements over the past year," adding in statements to the website "SciTech Daily," which specializes in scientific research, that "these figures illustrate the increasing interest among boys and men in attaining the ideal body."

Half of the study participants stated that social media was the primary motivation behind their consumption of these dietary supplements, and about one-third of the participants mentioned that they obtained their information about these supplements from websites, with the likelihood of seeking advice from healthcare and nutrition professionals before taking these substances increasing among women and girls, while the vast majority of boys and men turn to online forums for advice and information.

Researchers stressed the need for health experts and policymakers to monitor this phenomenon closely in order to enhance public health strategies and awareness efforts, and to tighten regulations governing the sale of these types of supplements.