Supplements - An extra strength

The optimal performance of a sportsperson can be acquired through proper nutrition, with the use of food supplements and with psychological techniques that provide well-being to athletes.

Foods have been developed to provide sportsmen with energy and nutrients. There are products for hydration, for recovering electrolytes and energy after physical activity or to provide specific nutrients.

Sports foods and food supplements

The food supplements used in sports are divided into 3 categories:

• Sports foods (containing macronutrients)
• Medical supplements (vitamins and minerals used to treat deficiencies)
• Ergogenic supplements (used to improve sports performance)
  
  

Micronutrients

Micronutrients play a very important role in the production of energy, synthesis of haemoglobin, bone maintenance, immune system and repair of muscle tissue during recovery from physical exercise and injuries.

Within micronutrients we have vitamins and minerals, being the most important in sportsmen's diets: calcium, vitamin D, B complex vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotenes and selenium.

Sportsmen who restrict their energy intake, or extreme weight-loss diets, with a decrease in animal products in the diet, cause low calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium concentrations.

Sportspeople most at risk of nutrient deficiency

The use of supplements by athletes is a common practice today.

Reasons why they are sought include: energy supply needed for training, compensation for poor nutrition, health maintenance, improved recovery, and improvement in performance, endurance, or muscle mass, or for weight loss.

Choosing which supplement to use

When choosing the supplement you should take into account: brand, quality, guarantee of the absence of contaminants and substances prohibited in sport.

The Pharmacist and micronutrient supplementation in sport

The analysis of data on the efficacy and safety of food supplements is difficult and complex.

Consumers of this type of supplementation should consult a pharmacist, doctor or nutritionist. Supplementation should only be used after analysis has been done and it is verified that the nutritional objectives cannot be achieved with a balanced diet.

Taking food supplements can bring risks to your health, which may be related to the safety of the products, inappropriate use, including indiscriminate mixtures, without considering the advised doses of each substance, or possible interactions. For your safety, talk to a healthcare professional.

Sources
iSaúde
Farmácia Distribuição Magazine

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