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Swimming Performance Assessment in Fishes
Published on: May 20, 2011
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Dietary supplements for aquatic sports
1Dept. of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Summary
Athletes often self-prescribe dietary supplements without full understanding. While some supplements offer benefits, others pose risks like contamination or doping violations, necessitating informed use.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Dietary supplement use is widespread among athletes, particularly elite competitors.
- Self-prescription is common, often based on incomplete knowledge of risks and benefits.
- Supplement efficacy and safety vary, with potential for harm from high doses or contaminants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements in sports.
- To highlight the risks associated with supplement use, including contamination and doping violations.
- To provide guidance on the informed use of specific supplements for athletes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on sports supplements.
- Analysis of evidence regarding micronutrient supplementation, creatine, caffeine, and buffering agents.
- Examination of quality assurance issues within the dietary supplement industry.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports benefits for a few supplements (creatine, caffeine) when used appropriately.
- Micronutrient supplementation is beneficial only for diagnosed deficiencies.
- Significant risks exist due to poor quality control, including contamination and undeclared substances.
Conclusions:
- Informed use of select supplements like creatine and caffeine may benefit athletes.
- Athletes must be aware of potential risks, including contamination and doping violations.
- Rigorous quality assurance is crucial to mitigate supplement-related health and performance issues.
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