Dietary supplements are the products that contain one or more dietary ingredients that are intended to supplement certain nutrients in our body. They are not used as a substitute for healthy foods.

1. Age
2. Gender
3. Activity level

Performance-enhancing products have health risks and side effects such as blood-clotting problems, liver problems, mood swings, and high blood pressure. In this case, teens should avoid using these products because the long-term consequences are likely to outweigh the benefits.

Cutting back on food and water for an athlete is very risky for their performance. As athletes, they rather need to consume more calories depending on their sport.

It is risky for them and their performance.

Iron, calcium, and B vitamins are found in trace amounts in the food that we eat. Supplementing it to meet the recommended dose is safe.

Yes

Some teens use dietary supplements, for example, for weight loss or bodybuilding. Particularly those can contain ingredients that could be harmful. Research has shown that about 4,600 children go to the emergency room every year because of dietary supplements. So, for your own safety, here are some things you should know about dietary supplements.

1.Dietary and herbal supplements may be poor quality and contain contaminants, including drugs, chemicals, or metals.

2.Dietary supplements may interact with other medications or products and they could have unwanted side effects.

3. Certain supplements called homeopathic immunizations, are promoted as substitutes for conventional immunizations, but there is no proof that they protect children against diseases.

4. The problem with hidden ingredients in dietary supplements used for bodybuilding is increasing. Some of them contain steroids or steroid-like substances and that could lead to serious liver injury, stroke, kidney failure, or other serious conditions.

5. Dietary supplements for rapid weight loss, such as acai and hoodia, don`t have effect for a long period of time and they can have side effects. Some of them have a lot of caffeine or herbs which can cause life threatening changes in your heart rhythm.

7. A hormone we use as sleep aid, melatonin, appears safe for short-term use but we don’t know about its long-term effects.

8. Omega-3 supplements may cause minor stomach problems, such as belching, indigestion or diarrhea.

Dietary supplements could contain harmful chemicals or interact with some other medications; ingredients are often hidden; supplements for rapid weight loss don`t have long-term effects. See the explanation for more.

If you’re looking to increase your athletic performance, then keep reading this article to know the things that you should do and the ones that you should avoid.

To increase your athletic performance, you must consider looking into your diet, supplement intake, rest, and your willingness to improve. You should properly fuel your body during workouts and training by keeping your fluid intake between 500 to 800 mL per hour and by replenishing electrolytes, protein, and carbohydrates after exercise. Moreover, you should not opt for sugar, junk foods, processed foods, and other fatty and salty food products. You can also take iron or fish oil supplement that would help supply the nutrients in your body. However, steer away from steroids and other performance enhancers that would harm your body. In addition, it is important that you must get plenty of rest. Your body cannot run 24/7; hence, enough sleep is needed.

To wrap it up, you must eat a healthy, balanced meal every day and try your best to lower your stress levels. By living a happier and healthier lifestyle, you can make your body at its peak for athletic performance.