What is a Supplement?
A supplement is something added to the diet, typically to make up for a nutritional deficiency. Ideally, it should be used as a substitute for eating well. Supplements include the following:
- Vitamins
- Amino Acids
- Minerals
- Herbs
- Other Botanicals
What Supplements Aren't
Products classified as dietary supplements are not required to meet any Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. There are no regulations that guarantee the safety or purity of something sold as a supplement. Therefore, supplements are not:
- Required to meet the same safety requirements as over-the-counter or prescription drugs or food ingredients
- Held to specific manufacturing standards
- Guaranteed to meet product potency or purity ratings
- Required to prove the effectiveness of any health claim they make
- Required to meet safety or efficacy testing prior to going to the market
The FDA is prohibited from removing a product from the market unless it can prove that the product will cause a medical problem. Most health risks of supplements are discovered after the product is on the market. Supplements that are pulled from the market are usually linked to a reported serious health risk or death that is tied to the use of the product.
What are Ergogenic Aids and Performance Enhancing Substances?
Erogenic aids consist of substance, drugs, procedures and even devices that are intended to improve athletic performance. Some of these substances are naturally occurring, easily available and completely legal while others are manufactured, illegal, or banned by many sporting organizations.
Common Sports Supplements Used by Athletics
- B-Vitamins
Vitamins are essential for the body to function properly, but there may be a link between the B-vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, B-12 and folate) and performance in high-level athletes. - Caffeine
Caffeine has been used by endurance athletes for years as a way to stay alert and improve endurance. -
Creatine
For some athletes, creatine supplementation improves repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise, such as sprinting, weight lifting or power sports. - Ephedrine
Research hasn’t found any improvement in strength, endurance, reaction time, anaerobic capacity, or recovery time with ephedrine supplements. - Glucosamine
Glucosamine has been used to treat osteoarthritis and helps stimulates cartilage. But does it help athletic performance? - Glutamine
Glutamine (L- Glutamine) is a classified as a nutritional supplement and is not regulated or banned by most sports organization. - Hydration and Sports Drinks
Adequate fluid intake for athletes is essential to comfort, performance and safety. The longer and more intensely you exercise, the more important it is to drink the right kind of fluids. - Protein Supplements
Protein is a necessary nutrient that everyone needs to function properly. Both athletes and sedentary individuals need to get adequate protein. - Ribose
There is clear evidence that shows an athletic performance benefit of ribose supplements. - How to Evaluate Supplement Health Claims
It's difficult to wade through the research regarding health or performance benefits of many nutritional supplements. These tips will help you make an informed decision about what actually works.
