Supplements and the endocrine system in athletes.
In the world of athletes' nutrition, there are many ethical concerns, because there is the suspicion that in practice, large doses of supplements in athletes are not taken for nutritional purposes. It is beyond the scope of this article to highlight the possible roles of supplements or methods of supplementation in the improvement of athletic performance in elite athletes. Instead, the author briefly reviews some of the substances taken by athletes, with particular attention to their mechanisms of action and the pathways involved. Very often, the effects of many supplements are hormone-related, or supplements influence hormone secretion. Examples of possible links between "supplements or ergogenic compounds" and the endocrine/metabolic system are addressed.
Di Luigi
Luigi
L
Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University Institute of Movement Sciences, Piazza Lauro de Bosis 15, 00194 Rome, Italy. luigi.diluigi@iusm.it
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000596:Amino Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000735:Androstenedione / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004340:Drug Contamination; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D010848:Picolinic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D013177:Sports; D014631:Valerates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000596:Amino Acids; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents; D010848:Picolinic Acids; D014631:Valerates; C004961:beta-hydroxyisovaleric acid; D000735:Androstenedione; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; C030614:picolinic acid