What about Supplements?

Surveys across the board show that about 50% of athletes report taking supplements, though what is defined as a supplement is not clear. What is clear is that although many top athletes take supplements, it is not a prerequisite to be the best in your chosen activity, or even reach your personal best, since the other 50% don't use them!! Never the less some supplements can play a valuable role in a winning diet, such as vitamins and minerals.

Scientific studies have failed to find any benefits associated with the majority of supplements in health food stores, muscle building magazines and gyms. However some supplements might be useful in your sports nutrition plan. Some are very sport specific or training/competition specific rather than something which should be taken on a daily basis. Specialist advice is required.

There are a number of products which contain everyday nutrients, but in a more practical form than everyday food. These include sports drinks, liquid meal supplements, sports bars, high carbohydrate gels or powders. Of course, these are more expensive than everyday foods, so it is important to justify cost against convenience.

A sports dietitian can help you to identify situations in which these supplements are able to meet unusual or challenging nutritional goals. Most importantly they can assist you to use the right supplement at the right time.