These supplements included creatine monohydrate (47%) and beta-alanine (37%), which were consumed daily, primarily to support performance and recovery.
The study published by “Nutrients” also notes that 98% of included participants used at least one sports supplement, even in the “development group” which included swimmers aged 11 to 14.
The researchers emphasize: “Based on these findings, additional education and greater focus on basic sports nutrition practices may be necessary for parents/guardians at developmental levels.
“Additionally, further research is needed to support the high number of ergogenic aids used by domestic swimmers, with the effectiveness of these supplements currently being equivocal in the applied setting.”
Sports supplements
There are a range of nutritional supplements that can improve sports performance, categorized into sports supplements, medicinal supplements and ergogenic aids. Their potentialThe benefits to athletes have led to their widespread use in sports at the elite, junior and recreational levels.
The use of such supplements is especially prominent among professional swimmers. Although their use at Olympic and elite levels is well documentedIt is knownthat an increasing number of adolescents are consuming supplements for their athletic performance due to increased availability of information.
However, the types and amounts of supplements used at this age have not before have been determined, although this would help provide evidence for monitoring and education strategies for sports nutritionists working with swimmers.
Thus, the present cross-sectional study sought to observe supplement uses within a UK-based high performance swimming club at three different talent stages.
Study
The research involved a total of 44 swimmers across three talent stages: developmental (11-14 years), age group (13-17 years) and experienced national competitors (16 years and above). Participants were surveyed with questions based on a validated supplement-taking questionnaire.
It was noted that 98% of swimmers surveyed used at least one supplement, with the main reasons for use being performance (34%) and recovery (19%).
Nationally, they were observed to use significantly more total supplements, which was mainly due to increased daily consumption of ergogenic aids, including creatine monohydrate (47%) and beta-alanine (37%). . They were also found to consume more health supplements, including omega-3 and vitamin D.
Parents and guardians were found to be the main informants for supplement use within the development group (74%), while performance nutritionists were responsible for approximately 50% of supplement information within the group of age and national swimmers.
The main motivation for supplement use in the development group was performance (38%). However, the “performance supplements” reported by this cohort were mostly in the sports supplement category (96%), as opposed to ergogenic aids (4%), which the authors say is appropriate for this age group. training since sports supplements carry lower risks of side effects and/or unintentional doping.
Age group swimmers consumed a similar number of supplements as developing swimmers (~5 per swimmer), although with a change in their supplement choices, reasoning, and sources of information. Indeed, the percentage of swimmers using sports supplements in pills and powders was increased compared to the development group (electrolytes: +33%, protein powders: +42%), while a greater number of swimmers consumed also ergogenic aids (46 versus 5%). Consumption of caffeine (23%), creatine monohydrate (8%), beta-alanine (8%), and beet juice (8%) was reported.
Fewer age group swimmers used supplements for “performance” compared to developing swimmers (−12%), instead citing “recovery”, “immunity” and “convenience” as motivators . This change was partly due to the introduction of formal education in sports nutrition, with a performance nutritionist appearing to replace parents/guardians as the primary source of information about supplements.
The report states: “Based on these results, a transitional stage in supplement use was identified, during which swimmers in this age group are more exposed to sports nutrition and begin to test aids ergogenic. It is therefore imperative that a ‘performance enhancing’ diet is not undermined at this age, which can be supported by practical workshops developing food knowledge and cooking skills. Additionally, strong anti-doping messages would also be helpful, informing swimmers and guardians of the risks of inadvertently ingesting banned substances when using pills and powder. food supplements.”
National swimmers used an average of eight different nutritional supplements (~3 health, ~3 ergogenic, ~2 sports). This figure was higher than the total number of supplements used by swimmers in the age group, in part because more swimmers reported using ergogenic aids (creatine monohydrate: +47%, beta-alanine: +37% ) and health supplements (omega-3 fatty acids). : +55%, vitamin D3: +35%) daily. Additionally, national swimmers used more ergogenic aids than age group swimmers during competitions (caffeine: +59, sodium bicarbonate: +36%).
Consequences
The study noted significant use of sports supplements among swimmers at different stages of talent.
Regarding the finding that there was significant use within the development group, the researchers point out: “It is therefore prudent to suggest that supplement education could be better implemented among parents/guardians at the developmental stage to facilitate safe and effective use of supplements later in development. swimming career.
Still, researchers call for more studies to be conducted to investigate the evidence supporting the use of ergogenic aids.
Source: nutrients
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/15/3306
“Use of nutritional supplements in a UK high performance swimming club”
by Josh W. Newbury, S. Andy Sparks, Matthew Cole, Adam L. Kelly and Lewis A. Gough
