The relationship between competitive sport and dietary supplements is a complicated one. There is a whole host of different supplements on the market, but it can be very hard to tell whether or not they actually have a beneficial effect.
Competitive athletes may find it hard to identify which factors in particular have come together to create a winning performance, since so many different elements can go into looking after their wellbeing.
Physical fitness is an obvious one, but also things like mental ability, genetic factors, strategies, financial flexibility and even a degree of luck. All of these things, plus diet and dietary supplements, can contribute to wellness and to that sought-after win, so it can be hard to be sure whether or not the supplement you are taking is actually having an effect.
Many athletes are keen to try anything they can in order to give them the edge over the competition, and of course, for some, this unfortunately means turning to illegal substances. Those who want to have an edge without breaking the law may try a specific sport nutrition programme or supplement.
These types of supplements that claim they can enhance performance are widely available in health food shops, pharmacies and even in the supermarket. The multi-million dollar industry also has a huge online customer base and thousands of websites dedicated to selling these supplements.
There are risks to these types of supplements: namely, that you cannot be totally sure about what you are consuming and there is even a risk of contamination with illegal drugs.
Some supplements, however, have been proved to have a positive effect on athletic performance. These include carbohydrate supplements, caffeine, creatine and electrolyte drinks. Even so, these are only useful in specific circumstances and when complemented by a balanced diet.
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