type and frequency of dietary supplement use by

b a ckground: the aim of this study was to determine the type and frequency of dietary supplements use among elite soccer players in 2011/12 season of iran’s premier football league. m ethods : this was a cross-sectional study. we randomly selected 13 teams from 18 teams in 2011/2012 season. all players of each team took part in our study. a total  of  234  soccer  players  enrolled  in  the  study.  data  were  collected  in seven-point times using a questionnaire. results : all players consumed at least one single supplement. the most common used  supplements  among  athletes  were  vitamins  c  and  e.  no  significant association was  found  between  position  played  and  the  type  or  frequency of supplements use by athletes (p  > 0.05). there was no significant relationship between the ranks of teams at the end of season and types or frequency of dietary supplements consumed by players (p > 0.05). conclusion : our findings indicate that the usage of dietary supplements among iranian elite soccer players is prevalent. future studies are required to reveal the beneficial and potential hazards of these supplements on athletes’ physical performance and their health.