Ergogenic agents (food additives)

By definition, the additive means what is added to the food to compensate for the deficiency in nutrients. However, athletes consume food supplements to improve sports performance and health. Scientific evidence confirming the correctness of the indications for the use of these products is very small. Many studies are constructed quite primitively, with the involvement of the wrong contingent of subjects to which additives are calculated. New additives appear almost every month. This section discusses some of the most popular supplements, the possibility of using them and reasonable recommendations for people working with athletes.

Food additives containing boron

Boron increases muscle mass and reduces fat. It is a micronutrient found in small amounts in raisins, plums, nuts, applesauce, and grape juice...

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)

Main functions: prevent fatigue, increase aerobic endurance. Although the use of ACRC as an ergogenic aid seems theoretically justified, the available scientific data is limited and...

Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB)

GMB may partially prevent proteolysis and/or exercise-induced muscle damage and thus promote muscle mass and strength gains during resistance training...

Androstenediol

Androstenediol is a precursor to testosterone synthesis. Although androstenediol is a steroid, it is currently unknown whether oral doses of this supplement can...

Amino acids: arginine, lysine, ornithine

The rapid spread of supplements containing free amino acids has made it possible to consume large quantities of individual amino acids. Arginine and ornithine are replaceable amino acids, and allisine is an essential amino acid that must be obtained from food...