"Food First but Not Always Food Only": Recommendations for Using Dietary Supplements in Sport

Area of Science:

• Sports Nutrition
• Dietary Strategies

Background:

• The "food first" approach is widely adopted in sports nutrition.
• A clear definition and understanding of its implications are lacking.
• This strategy emphasizes whole foods and drinks over isolated nutrients or supplements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a definition for the "food first" approach.
• To explore the limitations of a strict "food only" strategy for athletes.
• To advocate for a nuanced approach: "food first, but not always food only."

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and expert opinion.
• Review of existing literature on sports nutrition strategies.
• Development of a framework for evaluating the necessity of supplements.

Main Results:

• A proposed definition: "where practically possible, nutrient provision should come from whole foods and drinks rather than from isolated food components or dietary supplements."
• Six key reasons why a "food only" approach may be suboptimal for athletes were identified.
• The potential benefits and risks associated with sports supplement use were considered.

Conclusions:

• A strict "food only" approach may not always be appropriate or optimal for athletes.
• Sports supplements can play a role in enhancing health and performance when whole foods are insufficient or impractical.
• Athletes should consider supplements cautiously, implementing risk minimization strategies, leading to the "food first, but not always food only" principle.