Use of Dietary Supplements: Reflections Beyond Physiology

Abstract

The search for performance and, mainly, for an athletic physique accompanies human existence since the most remote times. Therefore, human beings seek allies in all existing ergogenic resources to help them on this journey. In this sense, nutrition, more precisely dietary supplements, are among the resources most sought after by these individuals. This article aimed to reflect on the factors that involve the use of supplements and the search for the so-called “perfect physique”. We sought to identify historical, social and cultural elements involved with these issues, as well as to provoke reflections on and how these elements can relate to them . In view of what was exposed in the present work, we understand that the use of supplements and the search for beauty standards in today's society involve not only aesthetic issues. They also involve biological, cultural, historical and social issues. Therefore, sociological approaches are very important to better understand these issues.