(56). Whereas regular training is also found to augment endogenous antioxidant systems, athletes who train sporadically, i.e. "weekend athletes", may particularly benefit from dietary antioxidants since it is not known if these athletes have the augmentation produced through continued training. While it remains controversial whether athletes or recreational exercisers should take antioxidant supplements, there is no doubt that athletes should ingest foods rich in antioxidants (56). Vegetarian athletes may have an advantage since antioxidants are readily obtained from a diet rich in vegetables, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.Creatine.Creatine monohydrate is a "hot" supplement that is showing some potential and may be of particular interest to vegetarian athletes. Double blind, placebo controlled studies have shown that creatine supplementation of 15-20 g/d for 5 days increases muscle concentrations of creatine by about 20% (57) and improves performance during repeated bouts of high-intensity (58-62) but not endurance (63) activity. In practice, nutrition supplement companies recommend an initial loading phase for 3-7 days, followed by a maintenance dose of about 5 g/d. Supplement companies also claim creatine is not synthesized using animal derivatives.Most of the creatine found in the body is in skeletal muscle where it exists mostly as creatine phosphate (64), an important storage form of energy that buffers ATP and thus serves to maintain the bioenergetic state of exercising muscle. The average dietary intake is about 2 g/d in omnivores (64) and negligible amounts in vegetarians since it is found primarily in muscle tissue. Even though creatine can be synthesized extra muscularly from amino acid precursors (64), serum (65) and skeletal muscle (57) creatine concentrations have been found to be lower in vegetarians compared to nonvegetarians. Thus there is some thought that vegetarian athletes in particular may benefit from creatine supplementation. Currently, however, little is known about long-term effects or training benefits of creatine supplementation (64). Most studies have found that supplementation is associated with a rapid 1 kg weight gain that is likely water retention (64). Even this small weight gain, albeit water, could be detrimental to performance in some sports (63). In strength sports, however, increased body mass may be desired. One study has suggested that creatine supplementation may promote greater strength and lean mass gain in response to strength training, although this increase in lean mass was not statistically significant (62). In the authors practice over the past year increasing numbers of recreational and competitive athletes and coaches have shown interest in creatine supplementation. With adults one can review current the scientific data and the expense of supplementation, (as well as the benefits of eating a good diet) and let the athlete/coach make their own decision. With children and adolescents, a prudent approach would be to discourage supplementation.In addition to creatine, athletes are likely to inquire about a number of other supplements and ergogenic aids. While only caffeine (66) and bicarbonate (67) currently appear to have potential, other aids include citrate, phosphate (67), branched-chain amino acids (68), carnitine, choline (55), chromium (69) and DHEA (70). A discussion of these is beyond the scope of this article. Nutrition Before, During and After