Dietary supplements and athletics

Throughout history, athletes have pursued optimal performance by eating specific foods and taking various substances. Athletes' use of dietary supplements increased during the 20th century, and by all measures so far, will continue to do so during the 21st. Supplement use by athletes has always outpaced that of the public. However, like the public, the supplements of choice are vitamins and minerals. During the past 5 to 10 years, there has been an increase in the use of herbal products by athletes. The use of creatine continues to increase, now being taken by professional athletes as well as athletes in the sixth grade. This review presents data on the incidence of use for several supplements, reasons given for taking supplements, discusses the risk of positive drug test, and provides resources for the team or family physician who advises or counsels athletes.