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All we really need to support the health of our bodies is a balanced diet, enough water, and a good night’s sleep. However, when participating in activities like athletics, our bodies are pushed to their limits in order to achieve peak performance.  There are plenty of vitamins and supplements to support the health of athletes, offering their bodies all they need to achieve athletic greatness. Here are some of the best supplements for athletes.

Do athletes need supplements?

Athletes can focus on a variety of different performance specialisms. But, whether you’re a speed or power athlete, or a mix of both, you won’t necessarily require any dietary supplements. Eating well and ensuring you remain hydrated is the best way to stay well during training. However, additional requirements of rigorous training schedules can sometimes mean you have additional needs.

If you’ve found that you aren’t getting the most out of your workouts, or you have specific goals in mind, it might be a good idea to consider adding some vitamins and mineral supplements to your diet. The best vitamins for athletes are ones that will complement your diet, but adding an extra supplement can help to support nutritional levels when you have additional requirements.

What are the best supplements for athletes?

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in every reaction that produces energy; it is also required for the normal regulation of muscle contraction. Magnesium is lost through sweating and heavy exercise and so you may want to consider magnesium supplements to support muscle recovery whilst training heavily.

B vitamins

B vitamins help by assisting the body to release energy. Low levels of vitamin B12 in particular can produce feelings of weakness and tiredness. So, adding a supplement into your diet can help to increase your levels. B vitamins can be found in multivitamins, or specific B12 vitamins are also available.

Calcium and vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D work together, helping the body by supporting bone health. It’s crucial to ensure that we have enough of these nutrients whether we are athletes are not – but it is especially important in a sport where strain is placed on our bodies. Calcium and vitamin D work together; calcium is found in dark green vegetables as well as dairy products, or fish with soft bones. Vitamin D, on the other hand, comes from exposure to the sun which can be more limited during the winter months.

Coenzyme Q10

Q10 is an enzyme that resides within the mitochondria, the component within cells that generate energy. Adding a Q10 supplement to your diet can help to support physical performance by assisting our bodies in processing energy.

Ashwagandha

This supplement is derived from a herb, and helps to support the body’s response to stress, as well as helping to support concentration. It is extracted from the root or leaf of the plant, and is commonly used in tinctures or teas. Ashwagandha can help to support energy levels, and is consequently one of the best supplements for athletes.

Iron

Iron is a crucial nutrient for everyone, not just for athletes. It ensures that the body has enough energy, and can be found naturally in red meats and leafy green vegetables. You should contact your doctor if you believe you have symptoms of iron deficiency – they will test your iron levels and recommend taking a supplement if they believe you require it.

Creatine

Creatine is a legal nutritional aid for sports performance, and can be found naturally in seafood and red meat. It is a great supplement when it comes to supporting muscle health, and is one of the best nutritional supplements for athletes.

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