I'm often asked the question “Do I really need supplements?” The answer to which really depends on several factors. Generally speaking, supplements are isolated and concentrated forms of food. So, it’s theoretically possible to just about get everything you get from supplements, from food.

However, depending on your sporting or physical development goals, obtaining the appropriate amount of nutrients at specific times, could involve you eating so much food, and so often, that it becomes unfeasible. Even if one decided to be as specific as possible with the food one eats, the chances are you would end up consuming some nutrients that you don’t need, or are undesirable. The higher up the performance ladder you go, the more important precise nutrient delivery at specific times becomes.

Supplements, in my opinion, are the difference between winning and losing at the top level. However, supplements without the knowledge of how, and when to use them, aren’t much use, and can even be counter productive.

I am still amazed at the amount of incorrect information people are being told about supplements. One of the worst offenders is some of the rubbish I see written and discussed on the internet, often one has no idea who writes it, why they write it, and where on earth they get their information from!

Sometimes the supplement companies are to blame. The marketing and promotion of products by some of the less reputable supplement manufacturers is misleading, and in some cases, just pure fiction. The other source of poor information and advice can come from businesses and individuals who sell supplements but in reality know very little about sports nutrition, or indeed anything about nutrition at all! These are some of the worst, as they are often the ones giving direct advice on what supplements do, and how they relate to an individuals particular needs. So if you want to know the real facts about how sports supplements can help you, or if they are even necessary in relation to your objectives, then come along and see me.

Until next time...you know where to come.

 — Ant —