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USE OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS IN OLYMPIC ATHLETES
DR. JAGMAL SINGH
Abstract:
Olympic athletes push their bodies to the absolute limit, constantly seeking an edge over their competitors. In this relentless pursuit of peak performance, dietary supplements have become a common tool. However, their use is a complex issue, riddled with both potential benefits and drawbacks. Athletes utilize supplements for a variety of reasons. Some aim to address potential nutritional deficiencies, ensuring they obtain all the necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal health and training. Others seek a competitive advantage, hoping specific supplements will enhance energy levels, improve recovery, or even directly boost muscle strength or endurance. There is evidence to support the use of certain supplements. Creatine, for example, has been shown to increase muscle mass and power output in some athletes. Similarly, caffeine offers a well-documented performance boost, particularly for short-burst activities. However, the effectiveness of many other supplements remains debatable, with research yielding inconclusive or conflicting results. A major concern surrounding supplements is the potential for inadvertent doping. Contamination or misleading labeling can lead athletes to unknowingly ingest banned substances. This can have devastating consequences, resulting in disqualification and a tarnished reputation.