Sports Supplement Review for Basketball Players

We would like to give you a sports supplement review of three commonly used supplements. Along with the increased popularity of nutritional supplements and other dietary supplements, sporting supplements have become increasingly popular and readily available.

Those that use sporting supplements hope to improve their performance, increase their energy and endurance, improve the results of their training and reduce muscle pain or discomfort. There is some debate about whether or not sports supplements are really effective, though, as well as debate about the safety of such supplements.

The use of supplements for sports in children and adolescents is of particular concern and they should be used by children and teens with great caution, if at all. It’s best to consult with a physician or registered dietician that is knowledgeable about fitness and sports medicine before given young people sporting supplements.

Consider the sports supplement review of popular supplements that we present here, but also consult your doctor if you have any questions about whether certain supplements are right for you.

Sports Supplement Review – Caffeine

Many sporting supplements contain caffeine. Many athletes like supplements with caffeine because it increases their energy, allowing them play longer without fatigue. It also stimulates the central nervous system, making you more alert.

While moderate amounts of caffeine are probably not harmful, large amounts may carry some health risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can cause problems with sleeping, even if taken in early in the day. It can cause anxiety, restlessness and irritability. It can cause gastrointestinal problems and an irregular heartbeat. It also interferes with the absorption of some medications and vitamins, including antibiotics and calcium.

Again, moderate amounts of caffeine should not cause serious problems but athletes (and others) should limit their use and athletes should not rely heavily on caffeine in order to play well. Children especially should limit their use of caffeine because they may be more susceptible to negative effects than adults.

Sports Supplement Review – Protein

Protein is another commonly used sporting supplement. Some athletes as well as some fitness experts believe protein supplements help repair muscles after a hard workout, build muscle mass and increase strength. However, other experts believe that consuming extra protein does not help and may even hurt if taken in too large quantities.

The average person needs about 50 grams of protein per day, though some may need more and some may need less. For instance, athletes that exercise strenuously may need extra calories and in that case, they should also take in extra protein.

Most experts agree that people with kidney or liver disease should not consume excess amounts of protein, so if you have kidney or liver disease you should check with your physician about how much protein you need. Some dieticians believe that getting too much protein can hurt your kidneys even if you don’t have kidney disease, but the average person would not get that much protein from a regular diet. They might if they consume large amounts of protein supplements, however.

Sports Supplement Review – Creatine

Yet another popular sporting supplement is creatine. Some athletes and fitness experts believe supplements containing creatine allow your muscles to work longer and harder, giving you increased endurance and stamina when playing sports.

According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that creatine supplements help build muscle mass but studies regarding improved athletic performance and increased endurance and stamina produced mixed results. In addition, large amounts of creatine can have harmful side effects, including gastrointestinal problems, irritability and increased aggression. It may also cause muscle cramps and even breakdown of muscles, increasing the risk of injury in athletes.