Swimmer
Q: "Do I need to take supplements? There seems so many to choose from and they all promise great results!"
A: The sports world is filled with advertisements and stories about supplements, all claiming to improve speed, strength, leanness and endurance. The range is never-ending and the promises are tempting.
However, there are no short cuts to the top. Many of these supplements have either not been tested, or have not lived up to their claims when tests have been conducted.
It is also possible that the benefits seen by some athletes come from the power of positive thinking. Seeing a change because you believe in something is known as a ‘placebo effect’.
While it is possible that future research will prove the benefits of new supplements, do not lose sight of the factors that can really improve your performance: a winning diet, good training, the right equipment and a winning attitude.
Of course, there are some supplements that can be part of a winning diet. Supplements such as sports drinks, sports bars and liquid meal supplements can be very useful in meeting important nutritional needs in sport. These supplements are a tailor-made and practical way to provide nutrition at special times – particularly during and after exercise. However, the benefits come not from the supplement itself, but from knowing how to use the supplement as part of your nutrition plan.
Creatine is the hottest new supplement on the market, and unlike many of the products that hit the headlines each month, it has undergone the scrutiny of scientific research. Sports scientists have found that creatine supplementation can increase muscle stores of this fuel source, and enhance recovery between high intensity workouts with short rest intervals. Although further research is needed to determine benefits to the performance of specific types of sports, and to confirm the lack of long-term side effects, creatine may be a useful aid for some athletes in particular activities. A sports dietician can help you with further expert advice about creatine and other supplements.