PRACTICAL APPROACH TO DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS USED BY ATHLETES
LUMINIȚA GEORGESCU1, CONSTANTIN CIUCUREL1, CLAUDIACAMELIA BURCEA2, MIHAI BURLIBAȘA2, PETRU ARMEAN2, RĂZVAN-DANIEL CHIVU2
1University of Pitesti, 1 Targul din Vale Pitesti; 2 University of Medicine and Pharmacy „Carol Davila” Bucharest, 37 Dionisie Lupu Bucharest
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Dietary supplements administration in athletes is a very used - and sometimes
dangerous - practice, pushing the human performance to the physiological limits. The
causes are multiple and derive from the observed or predictable need for adaptation,
compensation and overcompensation, having as targeted effect the overload of the body
with spare energy substances.
The line between medication and doping is crossed intentionally or, more often,
unintentionally, out of ignorance or negligence, leading to tough penalties on athletes,
according to international regulations. Dietary supplements are widely used by athletes and
remain the only legal solution allowed to protect the body, maintain the health and improve
physical performance. The common effort of institutions and organizations involved in
cessation of excessive consumption of supplements is reflected in legislative actions and
also in education and information programmes.
Thus, for the acquisition and management of ergotropic, trophotropic and
recovery medication for athletes it is recommended to develop and maintain a close
cooperation with competent authorities.
