Some of the most important steps to remain healthy and strong in life is to follow a properly balanced diet, always stay hydrated, and exercise regularly. However, sometimes athletes have to go above and beyond this baseline to ensure their bodies are in peak condition. To maintain and enhance their physique, some athletes turn to supplements. These supplements can help improve endurance and strength, make exercise more efficient and tolerable, and help you reach your exercise goals more quickly.
Before adding any type of supplement to your diet, it’s essential to consult your doctor first. Physicians are able to get accurate readings of your blood work to let you know if there are any deficiencies you should be aware of and how to combat them. They can also help you figure out if any medication you’re on could react negatively with the supplements you intend to take.
All information and products compiled in this list are based on scientific research and cross-referenced with this list from the National Institutes of Health. Additionally, any results from additional dietary supplements will vary per person. Everyone’s body reacts to things differently, especially depending on the way you work out. The level of training (type, intensity, duration, and environmental conditions) will all impact how successful any dietary supplement is for an athlete.
The supplements included are a mixture of both vitamins and supplement additives. Both types of supplements have shown some capacity to aid and enhance different types of workouts. All items on this list should be used in their recommended dosage to avoid any adverse side effects as much as possible.
B-vitamins are imperative for the body to function correctly. They aid in our metabolism by breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to release energy for our bodies to use. Female athletes are especially prone to vitamin B-12, B-6, and Niacin deficiencies. Because B-vitamins are primarily found in animal products, vegetarian and vegan athletes also need to make sure they’re getting enough of this vitamin in their diets.
You may have got a B-12 deficiency if you’re prone to feeling tired and weak, but you should consult your doctor before adding this vitamin to your diet. If you’re already getting enough vitamin B in your diet, there’s no reason to add the extra supplement to your routine.
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Bodybuilders and strength trainers are known to add this nutritional aid to their diet to enhance their sports performance. While this substance is naturally found in red meat and seafood, it’s not uncommon to add more to your diet in a supplement. When combined with strength training, this supplement can help increase muscle mass and improve muscular strength.
Creatine is excellent for those who work out in short, high-intensity bursts, like weightlifting or sprinting. It is not made for endurance sports, so if you want to improve your endurance abilities, this is not the supplement for you. Always make sure to use creatine in its proper dosage and be wary of possible side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and cramps.
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If you’re skeptical about adding straight creatine to your diet, don’t worry. Consuming betaine increases creatine production, so you get some of the bonus of extra creatine without the full supplement. The compound betaine is found in beets, spinach, and whole-grain bread and is another easy supplement to incorporate into your diet.
Like creatine, this supplement is best for those who have strength or power-based workouts because it can boost muscle protein synthesis. Activities like bodybuilding and cycling are bound to see the best results when adding betaine as a dietary supplement.
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While this supplement is found in drinks like coffee and tea, it can also be taken as a dietary supplement if you’re not much into drinking either of those things. Studies have shown that taking caffeine before a workout can improve performance. This supplement is especially useful for those looking to increase their endurance activities, like running, or long-duration activities, like soccer.
While caffeine can be a great workout enhancing supplement, always be careful with your caffeine intake. Having too much caffeine can lead to adverse side effects like insomnia, nausea or vomiting, restlessness, or heart problems. Also, try to avoid sugary caffeine energy drinks.
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In a sufficiently balanced diet, you should be consuming 0.36 grams of protein per pound when sedentary. It’s beneficial for athletes to add more protein to their diet because it provides amino acids that build, maintain, and repair muscle tissue. You can consume protein in various meats, but it’s also beneficial to add in the form of a powder supplement.
When adding more protein to your diet, it’s important to take it after your workout and not before. By taking in protein after exercising, you make sure your body is optimal for the protein to help your muscles heal and build. Consumption after working out will also enhance your muscle’s oxygen use.
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It’s commonly known that calcium is good for the body because it keeps our bones strong and healthy. However, calcium and vitamin D also make sure our teeth and muscles are healthy too. These vitamins are especially important for athletes because proper dosages will help reduce the risk of bone fractures and other skeletal injuries.
Calcium can be found in a variety of different foods, from dairy products to dark green vegetables to fish like salmon. However, if you’re unable to get the full amount of calcium and vitamin D your body requires, there’s always this dietary supplement.
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Some athletes have found that adding the best supplements to their diet and workout routine leads to increased athletic performance. However, as stated before, it’s imperative to consult your doctor first before adding any kind of supplement to your diet. Your doctor can help you figure out which supplement will best aid your workouts and help you see the improved results you want.
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