In sports nutrition, energy
supplements refer to dietary products such as gels, drinks, bars, or powders
developed to deliver rapid or sustained energy, maintain electrolyte balance,
and promote recovery, thereby enhancing athletic output and overall performance
efficiency. Ongoing research in sports nutrition continues to expand the
understanding of exercise physiology and provides the evidence base for current
best practice recommendations. This review discusses the current role of energy
supplements in sports performance and highlights future directions for their
effective and safe use. A literature search was carried out using secondary
sources, with keywords like energy supplements, electrolytes, athletic
performance, and others. Energy supplements fall under the ergogenic and
macronutrient-based category of sports nutrition. They primarily supply
carbohydrates, proteins, and fats as energy sources, along with micronutrients
(vitamins and minerals) and bioactive compounds such as caffeine, taurine, carnitine,
and ginseng that enhance energy metabolism, endurance, and recovery. They
provide rapid energy, maintain hydration, delay fatigue, and support metabolic,
neuromuscular, and cognitive functions. Findings indicate that carbohydrate
gels enhance endurance by providing energy, preserving glycogen, and
stimulating the central nervous system, while energy bars offer a balanced
source of natural sugars and proteins to support athletic performance.
Effective use depends on timing, individual tolerance, sport type, intensity,
and environmental conditions, helping to sustain performance, reduce fatigue,
and accelerate recovery. When used appropriately, alongside a balanced diet and
individualised nutrition strategies, they can improve endurance, reduce fatigue,
and optimise training adaptations. Despite their benefits, challenges such as
inconsistent nutrient content, variable individual responses, and safety
concerns highlight the need for quality control and evidence-based use.
Supplement combinations such as carbohydrate–protein or
carbohydrate–electrolyte mixtures have shown notable benefits in improving
power and recovery, particularly in team sports. However, significant research
gaps remain, especially regarding female athletes and sport-specific responses.
Additionally, some studies report safety concerns and adverse effects,
emphasising the need for careful evaluation and evidence-based use of
supplements. Future strategies should focus on personalised supplementation,
innovative delivery systems, micronutrient monitoring, and athlete education to
optimise performance, reduce fatigue, and ensure long-term health.
Author(s)details:-
Supriya D. Kamble
Department of Food Science and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra, India.
Akshaya K. Sahoo
ICT, Indian Oil Odisha Campus Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751013, India.
Harshvardhan A.
Kamble
Department of Food Science and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra, India.
Ajay K. Sharma
National Research Centre for Grape, Pune, India.
Abhijeet A. Gatade
Department of Food Science and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra, India.
Pravinkumar D. Patil
Department of Food Science and Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur,
Maharashtra, India.
Please see the book
here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/fsarh/v5/6682
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