JUNIPER PUBLISHERS-Anatomy Physiology & Biochemistry International Journal
The Role of Legally Available “Ergogenic” Nutritional Supplements in Exercise Performance: A Biochemical and Physiological Approach
Authored by Ioannis Delimaris*
Numerous supplements are marketed
today as “ergogenic”. However, the available literature is still lacking
conclusive information, while there is a large heterogeneity in the reported
scientific data. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of
legally available (according to the World Anti-Doping Code) “ergogenic”
nutritional supplements in exercise performance using a biochemical and
physiological approach. The literature available in the online databases
Medline, PubChem, Toxnet, and Google Scholar was used. The research methodology
refers to the brief review of the available published scientific studies. The
literature search was conducted using the following terms / keywords:
“ergogenic supplements”, “ergogenic aids” and “exercise performance”. The most
popular and commonly used legally available “ergogenic” supplements by athletes
are sodium bicarbonate, beta-alanine, beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyric acid
(HMB), creatine, carnitine, caffeine, and the branched chain amino acids
(BCAA). A proven ergogenic efficacy was found in: a) sodium bicarbonate in
high-intensity exercise, b) creatine in exercise performance for sport events
that require explosive, high-energy output activities, and c) caffeine in both
prolonged endurance exercise and short-term intense exercise lasting
approximately five minutes. The supplements have potential adverse effects so
their use must be always prescribed by a sports physician in accordance with
the needs and the medical history of the athlete. Moreover, further research is
needed (including large scale follow-up studies) so as to draw definite
conclusions about their long-term health safety.
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