S A F E ! Supplements for Young Athletes

Whenever I discuss diet and performance with my students, the question of which supplements are worth using always comes up. As the name suggests, supplements are meant to complement, not replace, a balanced diet. Nothing can substitute for a healthy, whole-food diet because our bodies are designed to derive nutrients from fresh, unprocessed foods. A balanced diet should always be the priority. However, in reality, I rarely encounter young people whose diet is even remotely adequate from both a performance and health perspective.

Often, their diets are monotonous, low in quality, and filled with processed and junk foods that lack essential nutrients. This is where high-quality supplements can play a crucial role in addressing nutritional gaps and helping prevent a decline in performance. When choosing supplements for young, developing bodies, quality and safety are paramount. It’s essential to avoid low-quality, contaminated, harmful, or banned substances that can sometimes be found in certain dietary supplements.

The products I recommend are of the highest quality, made from premium ingredients, and rigorously tested by third-party labs. They are also NSF Certified Supplements, meaning they are part of the NSF Certified for Sport® program, which ensures the contents of the product match what’s stated on the label. This is particularly important for athletes, especially those participating in national championships, as using NSF-tested products ensures there are no surprises during random or mandatory drug tests.

Foundational Supplements

Foundational supplements are designed to support the body’s physical development by providing essential nutrients, helping to prevent deficiencies and ensuring proper nutrition.

Multivitamin and Mineral Formula

Essential vitamin, mineral, and trace mineral formula to support daily nutrient intake.

The Multi-Vitamin Elite is a premium formula designed to support energy, metabolism, recovery, rest, and sleep. It delivers essential nutrients in two complementary formulas, tailored to meet the needs of athletes following high-performance nutritional regimens.

Omega- 3s

Fatty acids (EPA, DHA) essential for brain development, nervous system, heart health and immunity.

Super EPA with a higher level of EPA and DHA in an easy-to-swallow gel cap

Probiotics

Supports healthy digestive tract and immune system.

FloraSport 20B a stable, high-potency probiotic blend of clinically studied bacterial strains that support gut health, immune function, and exercise recovery in children and adults, including athletes

High Performance Supplements

The following supplements offer extra support during high-intensity training programs. They help meet increased nutrient demands and promote optimal recovery, reducing the risk of unnecessary muscle breakdown and supporting immune function.

Electrolytes

Rehydrates and replenishes the micronutrients lost through sweat during exercise and athletic performance. Helps fuel your muscles and brain.

Catalyte is an electrolyte restoration complex that supports endurance and recovery.

Creatine

Enhanced muscular performance, power and strentgh, cellular energy and cognitive function.

Creatine Monohydrate

High-quality creatine for lean muscle mass, endurance, cellular energy, and brain function.

Recovery Blend

A truly unique formula of protein, amino acids, and magnesium that supports relaxation and recovery before bedtime.

RecoveryPro

A synergistic blend of four proven ingredients to moderate stress, support restful sleep, and optimize nighttime muscle recovery