Recreational athletes and professionals often want supplements for recovery or performance. Most sporting needs are covered by food. For competitors there is an extra risk: a supplement may contain a substance that is not listed on the pack and is on the banned list.
Why the risk is real
Dietary supplements do not go through approval before sale, and most ingredient combinations have not been studied. Anti doping agencies warn that nobody can guarantee the contents of a supplement, and an athlete is responsible for everything that enters the body, even unintentionally.
What to do step by step
- First work out your needs and sort out your diet: enough carbohydrate, protein and fluid. Talk to a sports doctor or dietitian.
- If you compete at a level with doping controls, ask your federation or national anti doping agency before every supplement.
- Choose only products whose batch is independently tested for banned substances, and check the batch number.
- Keep the pack, receipt and batch number for as long as you take the product.
- Do not take new products just before a competition and do not change several things at once.
General notes
An aloe drink, a multivitamin or any other supplement does not replace training, sleep or diet. If you are a young athlete, pregnant or take medicines, decide about every supplement with your doctor.
A food diary
For a week, write down what you eat and drink and when you train. This makes gaps easier to spot, and with a dietitian you can decide whether anything needs adding.
When travelling to competitions, take familiar food with you and do not buy unknown supplements on site.
Sources: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements USADA.
Common questions
Can competitors take any supplement if it says natural?
No. The word natural does not guarantee that a product has no banned substance. The athlete is responsible for everything taken, so check with the anti doping agency.
What if I still want to use a supplement?
Ask a sports doctor or dietitian, choose a product with independent batch testing and keep the pack and receipt.
Before first use
Choose products for your dietary routine and care needs. Follow a healthcare professional’s advice for diagnosis and treatment of symptoms. Check suitability first during pregnancy and for use by children.
