Use of medicines and dietary supplements among Bridge players in two world-class tournaments

• Elite Bridge players differ in their health profile from other sports populations.
• The use of drugs included in the WADA prohibited list was common in elite Bridge players.
• American and African Bridge players used dietary supplements more than European players.

As the World Bridge Federation is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, top-level Bridge players undergo anti-doping testing in international tournaments. Compared to “physical” athletes, Bridge players are “mind” athletes who are more likely to use medications and dietary supplements simply because they are, on average, older. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, behavioural risk factors, presence of chronic diseases and use of medications and supplements were collected among 125 Bridge players participating in two world-level Bridge tournaments. About one third of the players were older than 60 years, and 76.8% reported at least one chronic condition, with cardiovascular diseases, back/joint problems, insomnia, asthma and diabetes being the most common. Some 60% of players reported using at least one medication in the preceding week, including substances on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list, whereas 44.0% reported to have used at least one dietary supplement. As “mind” athletes, professional Bridge players’ demographic and health-related characteristics indicate to a different pattern of drug use than “physical” athletes normally considered under the World Anti-Doping Code.