Objectives: To assess the frequency and quantity of usage of permitted drugs by Italian professional soccer players. Methods: A cohort of 1041 professional soccer players from the two Italian major leagues was assembled during the season 2003-4; 743 of the 785 (94.6%) subjects available on the day of the interview answered an epidemiological questionnaire, which included questions on the type and frequency of use of several permitted drugs. Results: 92.6% of players reported having used oral anti-inflammatory products in the previous year, and most of them were current users (86.1%). 36% of the players, mostly current users, reported the use of analgesics. 82.8% of the players reported current use of supplements, and 28% reported using vitamins. Conclusions: The regular use of several permitted drugs is very high among professional soccer players. The description of players` behaviour is the first step towards regular monitoring of the players` need for, and use of, vitamins, supplements and other permitted drugs.
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