Supplement types
There is a vast array of products. How do you decide what’s right for you?
There are very sound, legitimate scientific reasons for athletes, and aspiring athletes, to receive the benefits of performance nutrition. But with all the different products and claims, it can be confusing. They are variously described as nutritional supplements, dietary supplements, neutraceuticals, performance nutrition, sports supplements, ergogenic aids, and nutritional complexes.
We call ours a performance nutrition product because that’s what it is, and what it does. In deciding what’s right for you think about your total needs as a rugby player. Then understand what is out there.
It helps to put them in categories to understand them
There are different ways to classify products or ingredients. They can be categorised according to the following:
- the type of benefit they offer, or what they do
- their safety
- how much is known about them
- their effectiveness
Here is a list of product types by what they do. Performance nutrition products can be separated from general health supplements.
Performance Nutrition
- Energy
- Power
- Recovery
- Delaying fatigue
- Cognitive improvement
- Joint Support
General health
- Regular nutrition
- Boosting the immune system
- Digestive health
Just as important, choose products on safety, independent evidence and effectiveness
The benefits that products claim to offer are fairly easily understood. Safety, independent evidence and effectiveness are a little more difficult to get to grips with. But they are crucial. Find out more about what to look for here.
