I love watching NFL, but lately I’ve been thinking about what players put in their bodies to stay in shape physically and competitively. Do NFL players take supplements? This question has been on my mind for a while.
I’ve heard a lot of mixed opinions about performance enhancing supplements, but I wanted to do my own research to make an informed opinion. So, I started by asking a few NFL players I know.
One of them is an offensive lineman. He explained that linemen have to be careful with the food they eat and to take certain supplements to stay fit and maintain an edge over their opponents. He said they take vitamins and protein shakes to stay healthy and retain muscle mass. He also said that even NFL trainers recommend dietary supplements as part of routine health maintenance.
Another player is a wide receiver. He agreed with the offensive lineman and said that he takes a multivitamin for general health, protein powder to build muscle, and electrolyte drinks for dehydration. He also said that supplements help keep him feeling energized and focused on the field.
I also spoke with a former defensive tackle, who said that NFL players are tested for banned substances and that any supplement taken has to be cleared by USADA before it is used. This is to specifically make sure what they’re consuming won’t get them in trouble and eliminate the risk of supplement contamination.
My takeaway from talking to these players is it’s safe to say that the majority of NFL players do take nutritional supplements. Although there’s a general consensus, it’s important to take into consideration the individual preferences of players. Supplements need to be taken wisely and tailored to the player’s specific health and performance needs.
To gain a better understanding of how supplements can help NFL players, I turned to the research. I discovered that protein supplements are beneficial for athletes because they help to build and maintain muscles. Studies show that protein helps to speed up recovery times and repair muscles after workouts.
On the performance side, supplements like caffeine helps to improve alertness and concentration which can be essential in a sport like football where split-second decisions must be made. Furthermore, creatine can help to increase energy and strength which can lead to better performance on the field.
Lastly, vitamins and minerals are essential for players because they help to maintain muscle, cardiovascular and bone health. Taking a multivitamin, omega 3 supplements, and B-complex vitamins have been shown to improve metabolism, brain and eye health, as well as protect against inflammation.
It seems like there are plenty of benefits that NFL players and other athletes can get from taking supplements, but it’s always important to be mindful and stick to the supplements that are tested and approved by USADA. I think it’s important for NFL players to have all the information about dietary and performance supplements and to make sure that they are taking them in the right amounts at the right times.
Now, when I watch NFL games, I can’t help but wonder what supplements players are taking. It’s interesting to see how supplements can help optimize performance. So, next time you see your favorite players on the field, just think of all the nutrition and performance enhancing supplements they’re using and how this helps them excel.