Ergogenic Aids and Supplements

Abstract

Great interest is currently shown for the contribution of nutrition to optimize training and athletic performance, and a considerable debate exists about the potential ergogenic value of several dietary supplements. However, most of the products used by athletes do not provide sufficient scientific evidence regarding their efficacy in enhancing physical performance as well as their specificity of action and safety. For this reason, sport nutrition professionals need skills in evaluating the scientific value of papers and advertisements on ergogenic aids and supplements in order to support athletes in their choice. In the present chapter, the efficacy of some of the most popular supplements used by athletes and sport practitioners will be discussed. Particular attention will be devoted to amino acids and derivatives, caffeine and caffeinated energy drinks, and some antioxidants.

Nutritional Ergogenic Aids in Racquet Sports: A Systematic Review

“…An ergogenic aid is any training method, mechanical device, nutritional or pharmacological approach, or psychological technique that can improve exercise performance capacity and/or improve training adaptations [ 13 ]. Therefore, a nutritional ergogenic aid (NEA) is defined as those nutritional supplements taken orally containing a nutritional ingredient that intends to complement diet.…”

The Effect of Ergogenic Supplements and Mediterranean Diet on Cycling Performance. Differences According to Duration and Intensity.

“…The use of dietary supplements is alarming as athletes consume different supplements [21,22,69] that can interact with each other [10,71] or provoke negative consequences such as allergic reactions or toxicity in large doses (Lawson et al, 2007), [71] or have as a result misinformation [49] and inadvertent product contamination [28]. There is lack in universal regulation and consequently there are differences across countries in the ergogenic aids' practice and approach.…”

“…There is lack in universal regulation and consequently there are differences across countries in the ergogenic aids' practice and approach. There is often a gap between scientific evidence and marketing hype [71].…”

“…We should bare in mind that energy drinks should be consumed in rational proportions as to act in favor of exercise, otherwise they may become dangerous, causing hypertension, cardiac dysrhythmias, tachycardia or heart failure [17,24,71].…”

Energy Drinks and Sports Performance, Cardiovascular Risk, and Genetic Associations; Future Prospects

“…Regarding physical exercise, energy drinks form part of training prioritization in terms of the physical qualities to condition, nutritional practices, pharmacological approach or psychological techniques that can improve training adaptations and/or the output of the exercise [4]. This includes aids that may benefit individuals when exercising, increase the efficiency of the exercise and/or improve subsequent recovery [4,5].…”