The Truth About Health Supplements: Are They Worth the Hype?

While supplements are heavily marketed to athletes, the author suggests that most won't make a significant difference in performance. However, there are a few exceptions. Sports foods like gels or chews can benefit endurance sports, and correcting nutritional deficiencies through supplements can improve fitness. Caffeine, in moderate doses, can reduce fatigue and improve performance. Dietary nitrate from sources like beetroot juice may enhance endurance exercise. Other supplements like creatine, beta alanine, and sodium bicarbonate have potential benefits but also downsides. It's important to choose supplements carefully, as they are not regulated for safety or effectiveness. Overall, focusing on basics like nutrition, sleep, hydration, and stress management is more important for athletic improvement than relying solely on supplements.