Ergogenic Aids & Dietary Supplements for Sport Performance | CSCS Chapter 11

Performance-enhancing substances, or ergogenic aids, encompass any substance, mechanical aid, or training method designed to improve athletic performance. Athletes must prioritize sound training and nutrition before considering supplements and should always verify legality with governing bodies like the NCAA or WADA. Pharmacologic aids, such as anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, and erythropoietin, offer significant physiological advantages but carry severe health risks, including hormonal imbalances, organ damage, and cardiovascular complications. Conversely, evidence-based dietary supplements like creatine and caffeine provide safe, effective, and legal ways to boost strength, power, and endurance. While nutritional muscle buffers like beta-alanine can improve performance by offsetting metabolic acidosis, they often cause significant gastrointestinal distress. Ultimately, the efficacy of any ergogenic aid depends on the athlete's training status, and professional guidance remains essential to navigate the complex landscape of sports supplementation safely.