Which supplements do athletes take and why?

In 1992, British athletes at the Olympics in Barcelona began taking a new supplement that enhanced muscle mass and athletic performance without violating doping rules. This "secret weapon" quickly became the go-to supplement for millions of people, despite initial suspicion and stigma surrounding performance-enhancing substances.

Today, creatine is just one of many supplements used by elite athletes, with some studies suggesting up to 90% of athletes use some form of supplementation. Prof Graeme Close, a professor of human physiology, believes that the majority of athletes are taking supplements, possibly even 100%. Supplements can provide small margins of benefit, helping athletes focus on optimizing their performance and recovery.

Common supplements include creatine, protein powders, vitamin D, and carbohydrate gels. While supplements are not the sole solution, they can complement a well-balanced diet, training regimen, sleep schedule, and hydration routine.