Sports nutrition and research

World-class research drives performance forward but be wary of pseudo-science and spin.

Leaps forward in diet, performance and technical skill can all be attributed to developments in sports science from some of the world’s top universities. Sports science is a massive area of global academic research. It’s also big business. Problems can start when the line between independent academic research and product marketing gets blurred.

There is a huge body of published research work that scientists and product manufacturers can draw upon. Knowledge in some areas is comprehensive. In other areas it is still developing.

To make sure athletes get the right products for the right job, it is vital to understand the difference between genuine evidence-based approaches, and selective or manipulated research that could mislead athletes and coaches.

Be sure that research is valid

Use independent government guidance about what ingredients are effective.

It’s difficult for athletes and coaches to find the resources to scrutinise all the claims and promises made in sports nutrition. There is just so much of it. Trusted research must be independent, rigorous, published and peer-reviewed. But that isn’t enough.

Effectiveness is only properly demonstrated by different pieces of research testing in different circumstances, and arriving at common conclusions. That’s why independent and professional reviews of multiple research studies are the best resource.

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Avoid poor science

A lot of product claims seem to be based on the odd cherry-picked study, ignoring other studies that produce ambiguous or negative results. Other claims seem to be based on research that is carried out by companies on their own products. We do not think this is the right approach.

It is easy to claim that somebody is an ‘expert’, or that the science is ‘peer reviewed’. This doesn’t actually tell you anything useful. Anyone can call themselves an expert, and peer reviewed research doesn’t mean it is accepted by the global scientific and research community, or by governing bodies. Peer-reviewing is a bare minimum.

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Quickly identify elite-level research

The best and quickest way to sort the genuine science from the pseudo–science is to look at independent government bodies.

These organisations have their own research departments that check published research and make recommendations to other sporting bodies and academy athletes.

There are two globally respected organisations.

The Australian Institute for Sport publish a supplement classification system. They classify most known supplement ingredients into 4 categories. RugbyMax uses only ingredients deemed right for athletes in accordance with this independent system. Find out more about the AIS system here.

The American College of Sports Medicine classify supplement ingredients on similar lines. They also publish a journal and “position stands” that are used by government agencies and sporting bodies. Visit their site here.

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Understand research to know what you’re buying

RugbyMax is the only performance nutrition product that’s been designed exclusively for the demands of rugby. We recognise that there are other good sports products out there. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misleading information and a lot of products that aren’t so good.

A brief look at rugby conditioning books and the websites of governing bodies will tell you that there are concerns about mislabelling, poor quality ingredients, contamination and ineffectual preparations in more than half the products on the market.

Check the ingredients of products you are buying against the lists provided by organisations such as the Australian Institute for Sport or the American College of Sports Medicine.
Be wary of products that make outlandish claims.
Be wary of claims that products are ‘scientifically proven’ with no convincing evidence
Be wary of products that quote one scientist or link to one or two published papers concerning small studies.
Seek out references to research that are broad, comprehensive and that use multiple sources. They are more reputable

There’s a lot of confusion, even amongst professionals. We believe the best policy is to go back to the top independent authorities such as the AIS and ACSM, and use that as the clearest and most comprehensive source of advice.

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Check research, but check safety too

The research usually concerns effectiveness of ingredients and combinations of ingredients. But the other issue in sports nutrition is purity and safety. Whether you are a professional athlete or aspiring athlete, it is vital to steer well clear of banned or dangerous ingredients. To do that you must take an active vigilant approach.

Ensure that products you buy are at least manufactured to ISO and GMP standards.
Then ensure that there are other accreditations and that products are comprehensively and regularly tested for contaminants.
Always ask questions.
If you are in any doubt, just steer clear.

It is not worth risking your health, your performance or your reputation for the sake of saving a small amount of time or money.