Use of nutritional supplements by Danish elite athletes and fitness customers.

The nutritional supplement (NS) industry is one of the fastest growing in the world, and NS use in Denmark is among the highest in Europe. However, the exact use in elite athletes and fitness customers targeted for doping control is unknown. Information from 634 doping control forms obtained in 2014 was evaluated (elite athletes: n = 361; fitness customers: n = 273). The majority of female (92.6%) and male (85.0%) elite athletes and female (100.0%) and male (94.0%) fitness customers declared using one or more NS. The use of non-ergogenic NS was more prevalent in women than in men and in younger (15-34 years) compared with older (35-49 years) subjects, but it was less prevalent in intermittent compared with endurance and power/strength sports. Additionally, fitness customers who tested positive for doping also reported using more NS than subjects testing negative, indicating an association between NS and doping abuse. The present results demonstrate a very high prevalence of NS usage in both elite athletes and fitness customers. This highlights the importance of a strong national regulation of NS to avoid contamination of NS with doping substances.

[Treatment of infectious diseases with antibacterial drugs in general practice]. / Behandling af infektionssygdomme i almen praksis med antibakterielle laegemidler.

A survey of systemic treatment with antimicrobial drugs in general medical practice at Holstebro, Jutland, in March 1987 is presented. The two pharmacies of the town recorded all prescriptions to individual patients. The diagnoses were recorded by questionnaire, which was returned by all involved physicians. A total of 969 persons, equivalent to 2.4 per cent of the population and 5.7 per cent of all Health Service contributions, were treated: 39% for upper and 18% for lower respiratory infection, 18% for urogenital infection and 7% for skin infection. 6% were recorded under "miscellaneous". In 12% of the cases no diagnosis was stated. 48% were treated with V-penicillin, 20% with ampicillin, 17% with erythromycin and 3% with tetracycline. The investigation shows a tendency towards less than optimal strategies as regards infections of the respiratory passages and the urinary system. Too often a "wide-spectrum therapy" was chosen. This choice meant a prolonged term of treatment and larger day-and-night doses leading to unnecessary expense. Short-term treatment of uncomplicated infection of the urinary system and otitis media were not recorded.