Evidence-based sports supplements: A redox analysis

Free Radic Biol Med. 2024 Nov 1:224:62-77. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.08.012. Epub 2024 Aug 13.

Abstract

Despite the overwhelming number of sports supplements on the market, only seven are currently recognized as effective. Biological functions are largely regulated through redox reactions, yet no comprehensive analysis of the redox properties of these supplements has been compiled. Here, we analyze the redox characteristics of these seven supplements: bicarbonates, beta-alanine, caffeine, creatine, nitrates, carbohydrates, and proteins. Our findings suggest that all sports supplements exhibit some degree of redox activity. However, the precise physiological implications of these redox properties remain unclear. Future research, employing unconventional perspectives and methodologies, will reveal new redox pixels of the exercise physiology and sports nutrition picture.

Keywords: Antioxidants; Exercise; Oxidative stress; Signaling; Supplements.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Caffeine
  • Creatine / metabolism
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Nitrates / metabolism
  • Oxidation-Reduction*
  • beta-Alanine / analogs & derivatives

Substances

  • Caffeine
  • beta-Alanine
  • Creatine
  • Nitrates