Often even the smallest advantage offered by these products are too great to be ignored, even though creatine has been linked to health problems such as kidney damage, muscle cramping and dehydration. Amino acids are the basis for other supplements popular with athletes. And athletes make extensive use of vitamins and minerals such as folic acid. Professor Craig Sharp, who carries out research into the science of sport at Brunel University, takes a slightly cynical approach to supplements and vitamins. But athletes know that if they improve their performance by even a tiny amount, it will make a big difference.
People are paranoid about anybody having an edge.
He believes the main effect of such supplements is psychological - but adds that this is a powerful effect in itself. Strong warnings for athletes Athletes are warned not to take any supplement without checking exactly what it contains. And inocuous-looking herbal mixtures like teas and medicines also frequently contain banned substances, as Linford Christie discovered when he tested positive after drinking ginseng tea. Professor Peter Radford, of the sports science department at Brunel University, said that even vitamin supplies might be contaminated with banned substances. So gaining the maximum advantage from supplements while avoiding banned substances is a complex skill for the modern athlete.