Today’s Dietitian
Vol. 27 No. 1 P. 4
Athletes of all ages and experience levels are ceaselessly targeted by supplement companies seeking to market a variety of products with alluring and, at times, spurious claims. Some of these products are new takes on the familiar, while others offer proprietary concoctions promising to enhance performance, speed recovery, promote changes in body composition, and reduce risk of injury. Social media pumps up the volume of the message, whether evidence-based or not. Supplement manufacturing no doubt moves at a much faster pace than in-depth product research, widening the gap between what consumers can access and what consumers really know about that which they can access. Even the savviest athlete may find it challenging to navigate the bombardment of product claims, perhaps defaulting to following guidance from their favorite lay influencer sharing a compelling personal testimonial.
According to market data, in 2021, sports supplements accounted for the largest revenue share in the global sports nutrition market, coming in at around 52%.1 This market is expected to grow 8.2% between now and 2030.1 RDs with specialties in sports nutrition must not only stay aware of the newest supplements on the scene but also remain on top of the latest research in supplement efficacy and safety. In an advertising climate driven ever more by algorithms hacking attention and tailoring message appeal to specific audiences, including sports enthusiasts and athletes, it’s important that dietitians guide clients through the murky landscape of sports supplements and help them make the strongest evidence-based choices to support their fitness and performance goals.
In this month’s issue, Today’s Dietitian features the article “Supplements for Athletes.” In it, we take a no-nonsense approach to reviewing and reporting on the latest research updates in safety and efficacy of popular sports supplements, including types and dosages recommended by top experts in the field. Furthermore, you’ll learn about some types of supplements with the least evidence to back them up.
Also in this issue, we feature articles on food policy changes in the 2024 Farm Bill, explore the often-minimized health risks many may face when undereating for weight loss, and unpack the repertoire of nondietitian nutrition certifications to learn what they’re all about and how they compare to the RD credential.
Happy New Year, and I hope you enjoy the first issue of 2025!
— Heather Davis, MS, RDN, LDN
TDeditor@gvpub.com
Reference
1. Sports nutrition market report 10022. Prescient & Strategic Intelligence website. https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/sports-nutrition-market. Accessed October 23, 2024.