[Relation of some nutritional supplements and physical performance]

Many athletes and active people have consumed a large variety of supplements in order to get a good shape or a better performance in competitions. Due to this, several studies have been carried out to determine if these supplements are in fact ergogenic aids. Creatine seems to be related to the performance enhance in high intensity intermittent exercises. Carnitine might probably improve the aerobic capacity by stimulating lipid oxidation on muscle cells during long term exercise. Bicarbonate is thought to increase blood pH delaying the onset of peripheral fatigue in high intensity exercises of short duration and strength training. Some other supplements like branched-chain amino acids and chromium are also involved in body composition changes as a gain of fat free mass and loss of fat mass. The effects caused by these supplements during physical activity have not been fully described in literature yet as well as their side effects.