In the competitive world of sports, the smallest advantage can
make an enormous difference in the outcome of a contest. A
substance that improves an athlete's strength, speed, or
endurance is called an ergogenic aid. These are discussed in the
article Sports and Fitness Support: Enhancing Performance .
Supplements could conceivably play another helpful role for
athletes as well: aiding recovery from the “side effects” of
intense exercise. While exercise of moderate intensity is almost
undoubtedly a purely positive activity, high intensity endurance
exercise can lead to respiratory infections. In addition, all
forms of high intensity exercise can cause muscle soreness,
which may get in the way of training. Herbs and supplements
advocated for these problems are the subject of the article
titled Sports and Fitness Support: Enhancing Recovery . For
information on natural treatments intended to aid recovery from
injuries caused by sports, see the Sports Injury article. -
Reviewer: EBSCO CAM Review Board - Review D