GLOSSARY

Supplement Timing Table

Timing differs between acute and loading-based supplements; start with a justified product and rehearsed protocol.

Supplement Timing places intake relative to the desired effect, exercise, meals or sleep, according to the specific ingredient rather than a universal clock.

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.

Absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination determine how an ingredient reaches circulation and tissues. Plasma concentration does not directly establish muscle uptake or a useful performance effect. Half-life describes a concentration decline under defined conditions, while time to peak describes when a measured maximum occurs. Food, formulation, repeated use and individual physiology affect these processes. A faster or larger blood peak is therefore not automatically evidence that a formulation is better for the athlete's intended task.

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.