Eating for competing.

Many adolescent athletes take nutritional supplements in the hope that such supplements will make them better athletes. Protein supplements will not build muscles unless the athlete is not ingesting adequate amounts of protein in food. Vitamins and mineral supplements will not improve performance unless the athlete suffers from a deficiency. No nutritional supplement contains any ingredient that cannot be obtained from food. However, following the scientific principles outlined in this article, on what and when to eat foods and drink fluids, can improve athletic performance.