This systematic review investigates how acute supplementation—taken shortly before or during exercise—affects the physical and cognitive performance of young athletes under 18.
Researchers identified only three primary substances meeting their criteria: carbohydrates, beetroot juice, and sodium citrate, noting a significant lack of age-specific evidence for other common aids.
Carbohydrate intake consistently improved endurance capacity and stabilized blood glucose, while sodium citrate appeared to preserve technical skills and precision. Conversely, results for beetroot juice remained inconsistent, though some evidence suggests it may enhance explosive power in recreationally active youth.
Ultimately, the authors emphasize that young athletes have unique metabolic and developmental needs, requiring cautious, tailored nutritional strategies rather than mere adaptations of adult protocols.
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Full citation: Gruska N, Sarmento H, Martinho D, et al. Enhancing Performance in Young Athletes: A Systematic Review of Acute Supplementation Effects. Nutrients. 2024 Dec 13;16(24):4304. doi:10.3390/nu16244304
Citation: Gruska N, Sarmento H, Martinho D, et al. Nutrients. 2024 Dec 13;16(24):4304.
PubMed Link:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39770925/
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