Rugby players are always striving to improve performance and so may be tempted (because of the marketing hype and the magic promised by sport supplement companies) to resort to supplements. These products range from vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrate powders, fat loss remedies, sports bars and drinks/powders to more specialized products such as amino acids, creatine, HMB and glutamine, either on their own or in combination with other ingredients.

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In certain situations there may indeed be a role for supplementation, but you cannot ignore the role of other important factors that also affect performance such as training, sleep, genetics, rest, basic diet, equipment etc. For players who lack appetite, have high energy requirements and need to gain weight, or players who are injured or are prone to infection, supplements may need to be prescribed. Note any supplements should only be prescribed by a sports dietician or a sports physician and only once it has been determined that your diet is unable to meet these additional requirements!

Apart from the expense and any benefits of supplements, you also need to know that there are potential risks associated with supplement usage.

More importantly you need to be aware that you are liable and responsible for any and all substances appearing in your urine and blood and should you test positive for any banned substances your career will be ruined. Even in products that you think are safe there is still a real chance of these supplements being contaminated with banned substances since there is no proper regulation of the supplement industry worldwide. - (Shelly Meltzer and Associates, consultant dieticians to SARugby)

Article used with permission from www.sarugby.net.
 

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