Evolution of the use of sports supplements

Abstract

This article aims to describe the evolution of the use of supplements in sports, based on the reasoning and motivations of use. The consumption of substances, to boost sensory and physical qualities, has been a constant issue throughout human history. Sports competition, as social interaction, began to use sports supplements (SS), that are outside the doping list, to enhance the modifiable pillars of performance such as health, training, and competition. The initial categorisation of SS was chemical however, this coexists with a new classification based on functional aspects. SS use evolved from an intuitive-unproved period to a scientific approach. Nowadays, the focus of the SS is centred on efficiency, the search for new functions of classic SS and combinations, the search for new chemicals of a natural origin, and the effect of pre-pro-post-biotics as ergogenic agents. SS differs from nutritional supplements in the magnitude of the statistical differences in health and performance effects.The use of supplements is spreading from athletes to the general population looking to preventing health and antiaging issues, both with a relevant boost from the food industry, which generates a massive market for food and supplement companies. This new market requires new regulations.