International Olympic Committee (IOC): food supplements can enhance athletic performance

06 January 2011 - Food supplements can boost athletic performance, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in its IOC Consensus Statement on Sports Nutrition 2010. The IOC thereby affirms the experiences of numerous athletes, sponsored by Plantina, over the years.

This Consensus is a major turnaround from the IOC’s earlier point of view. Previously, the IOC had warned athletes off food supplements. The new Consensus will form the basis for nutritional guidance to athletes in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics.

Athletes should be particularly aware of their needs for calcium, iron and vitamin D, according to the IOC. The Committee advises vitamin D supplementation when sun exposure is inadequate. ‘The use of supplements does not compensate for poor food choices and an inadequate diet, but supplements that provide essential nutrients may be an option when food intake or food choices are restricted due to travel or other factors.’

‘Athletes contemplating the use of supplements should consider their potential for a positive doping test.’ The Dutch Olympic Committee has set up a food supplement security system for elite athletes. Supplements in this NZVT-system are safe and free of any forbidden substances. The majority of the Plantina food supplements are NZVT-approved and therefore the best choice.

Source: www.olympic.org