Which supplements do athletes take and why?
This article explores the widespread use of nutritional supplements among elite athletes, focusing on the history and scientific backing of products like creatine. It highlights the tension between the pursuit of performance optimization and the strict liability rules governing anti-doping regulations.
Why it matters
Understanding the prevalence and safety of supplements is critical for both professional athletes and the general public who increasingly use these products for health and fitness.
Which supplements do athletes take and why?
Image source, Getty Images By Sarah Dawkins and Sonia Oxley BBC Sport senior journalists It was at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona when the mutterings about a new "secret weapon" started.
Dozens of Great Britain athletes had been taking a new product that increased muscle mass and improved athletic performance – a "wonder pill" that didn't fall foul of any doping rules.
Now found in tubs and bags on many supermarket shelves and tagged in your social feeds, it is the supplement of choice for millions of people and one of the most scientifically researched.
But back then, when it came on the scene at the very top of British elite sport, there were suspicions and stigma around the use of any substance described as 'performance enhancing' – even if it was legal.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in