Introduction to Supplements
Supplementation is often an attractive area for athletes looking to explore a health or performance edge. The supplementation industry worldwide is a HUGE, multi-billion dollar business. In Australia alone, it is estimated we spend around $5 billion dollars per year on supplements, with $1 Billion of that specifically on sports supplements. So are supplements a magic bullet for athletes?
The short answer is No. It is important for all athletes, but particularly those who are still growing and developing, to meet their nutritional needs through whole food and fluids first and foremost. In other words, aligned with the principals of the Australian Guide to Health Eating. There is no substitute for a well-designed and individualised nutrition plan as the basis and foundation for all athletes.
An expert such as an Accredited Sports Dietitian is able assess the need for supplements for an individual in the context of their overall diet, medical history, stage of growth and development and the athlete’s sport and event specific training and competition performance needs. Supplement recommendations will therefore be unique, even for competitors in the same sport of Softball.
Supplements” is a broad term that includes;
- Medical supplements – such as vitamins and minerals used to treat a known deficiency (e.g. Iron, calcium, Vitamin D), or with proven benefits for health and immune support – e.g. Vitamin C, zinc and Probiotics.
- Sports foods – which may provide nutrients in a convenient format where whole foods are less practical/desirable (e.g. Sports gels, protein bars, protein powders). When used appropriately, (alongside a well formulated nutrition plan as the basis), some of these products can be a useful addition for athletes in specific training or competition circumstances.
- Ergogenic Aids – which may or may not be found in food, but are taken for the express purpose of gaining a performance advantage E.g. Creatine, Caffeine and Beta alanine among others.