GLOSSARY

Sports Supplement is a product used in addition to the usual diet for a defined nutritional or sporting purpose. Its category does not establish necessity, efficacy or safety.

A supplement can address a defined nutrient shortfall, provide a convenient sports-food format or target a specific performance mechanism. These purposes require different evidence and assessment. A product is not necessary simply because it is marketed to athletes, and normal training fatigue does not identify a nutrient deficiency. Begin with the athlete's diet, health, training and practical constraints, then define the expected benefit, suitable outcome and stopping or review point before adding a product.

A credible supplement claim needs relevant controlled evidence, an appropriate comparison and a meaningful outcome. Randomization, placebo control and blinding reduce different sources of bias but do not guarantee a useful result. Sample size, uncertainty, training status, sex, diet and protocol affect interpretation. A pooled estimate is not a promise to every individual. Mechanistic plausibility, a changed biomarker, exercise capacity and actual competition performance are distinct levels of information that should not be treated as interchangeable.

The dose refers to the amount of the relevant active ingredient, not necessarily the mass of powder or the number of scoops. A single dose, daily total and body-mass-relative dose describe different quantities. Larger amounts can increase adverse effects without improving performance. Loading, maintenance and acute timing are ingredient-specific strategies rather than universal rules. Check all products used together so that repeated ingredients do not create an unintended total intake.

For example, identify the problem a supplement is intended to solve before choosing a product. A convenient food format, correction of a documented shortfall and an attempted performance benefit require different assessments. Check the exact ingredient, useful outcome, health context and product quality, then set a reasonable review point rather than continuing indefinitely because the product is marketed for athletes.

Supplement safety depends on ingredient, dose, duration, health status and other exposures. Natural origin does not guarantee safety, and absence of a reported adverse event in a small trial does not establish long-term safety. Medication interactions, pregnancy, age and kidney or liver disease can change the decision. Distinguish an event occurring during use from a causally established adverse effect. New or severe symptoms require stopping the suspect exposure and appropriate assessment rather than increasing the dose to overcome poor tolerance.

Label accuracy, ingredient identity, potency, contamination control and manufacturing traceability are separate aspects of quality. A proprietary blend may conceal the amount of each ingredient, preventing comparison with research. A certificate of analysis applies to specified tests and samples, not every possible hazard. Verify the exact product and batch in an independent certification program when relevant. Good manufacturing practice and third-party testing can reduce certain risks without proving efficacy or guaranteeing that every batch is free of prohibited substances.

Competitive athletes remain responsible for substances found in their samples under applicable anti-doping rules. A supplement may contain undeclared ingredients, and a label or manufacturer assurance cannot establish that it is permitted. Check the official prohibited list effective on the event date, including restrictions by route, timing or sport when applicable. Independent sport-focused certification can reduce risk but cannot eliminate it. Keep product and batch records, and obtain current advice from the relevant anti-doping organization rather than relying on a generic product claim.