Keywords
Caffeine
Health
Students
Dietary supplements
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Abstract
Objective: Investigate thermogenic supplement use among health students in a northeastern Brazilian institution, assessing adverse effects, knowledge and motivations. Methods: Cross‑sectional study using an online questionnaire applied to students at Pernambuco Health College between September 2024 and September 2025. The instrument captured sociodemographic data, physical‑activity practice, caffeine‑based supplement consumption patterns and symptoms. Data were analyzed in Excel. The project was submitted to and approved by the FPS Research Ethics Committee under number 7.238.797, following ethical standards. Results: A total of 209 students were analyzed; 28,7% reported consuming thermogenic supplements without prescription, while 71.3 % did not use them or were unsure. Most preferred caffeine alone (17.4 %) or in combination with other supplements (11.3 %). Among users, 62,5% initiated consumption on their own and few consulted nutritionists. Main reasons were to increase energy, control weight and improve performance; the most commonly reported symptoms included agitation, insomnia, arrhythmia, sweating and stomach pain. Conclusion: Although less prevalent than in other populations, consumption among health students is significant. Prolonged unsupervised use and lack of awareness of risks highlight the need for education and regulation.
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