Save Money with Supplements: A Note to Athletes and Parents

If you're an athlete—or the parent of one—it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sports supplement industry. Marketed promises of muscle gain, fat loss, and performance boosts are everywhere. But before diving into expensive powders and pills, it’s worth speaking with a sports dietitian to assess what’s really needed.

Understanding your individual situation, safety considerations, and nutritional needs can actually save you a lot of money. Not every supplement is beneficial—or even safe. Many products on the market target general consumers, not athletes with specific performance goals. Others may not be appropriate for adolescents whose bodies are still developing.

One of the biggest concerns in the supplement world is a lack of regulation and potential contamination. Research has shown that 1 in 3 supplements may contain substances not listed on the label. For athletes bound by anti-doping regulations, this is a serious risk. Testing positive due to an unlisted banned substance can have career-ending consequences. For younger athletes, unlabelled substances can pose real health threats.

For adolescent athletes especially, the foundation of performance isn’t found in a tub of powder—it’s in consistently getting the basics right. Prioritising whole foods, balanced meals, quality sleep, and structured training will have a far greater impact on strength development and performance than any supplement.

The IOC Consensus Statement remarks:

“Protection of the athlete’s health and awareness of the potential for harm must be paramount; expert professional opinion and assistance is strongly advised before an athlete embarks on supplement use.”

Supplements should only come into the picture once the fundamentals are consistently locked in, and even then, they should be carefully selected.

Athlete Academy are here to help you navigate supplements and supplement conversations.