The efficacy of dietary supplements on health status and performance of football players: a systematic review

Abstract

This study aimed to review the efficacy of commonly used supplements on the health status and performance of football players. We searched several databases for relevant publications published in English up to June 2024 using keywords such as nutritional supplementation, performance, football, and football players. The available literature indicated that l-arginine supplements may improve cardiovascular function, ventilation, the serum level of lactate, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 Max) of football players. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may improve multiple-choice reaction time. Creatine supplements improve jumping, sprinting, change of direction speed, and reduce fatigue. Among the vitamins, vitamin D improves the serum level of injury-related hormones such as cortisol and testosterone. B vitamins reduce the level of blood lactate in the recovery periods. Vitamin E and vitamin C may improve performance by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing the antioxidant capacity and oxygen delivery to exercising skeletal muscles. Iron supplementation improves endurance capacity. Further studies are warranted to confirm the effects of the supplements on football players, to identify the appropriate dosage of the supplements and also to determine their mechanism of action.