Groundbreaking Study on Supplement Guidelines for Young Athletes Launched in India

Innovative Research Initiative for Adolescent Athletes

In a pioneering effort, the Sports Science Division (SSD) of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN) to initiate a comprehensive multi-centric study aimed at establishing evidence-based supplement guidelines tailored for adolescent athletes.

This study marks the first multidisciplinary approach to concurrently assess critical physiological and psychological indicators, such as muscle damage, serum electrolyte levels, hydration status, recovery heart rate, and stress levels in young athletes. It is specifically designed to meet the unique physiological challenges posed by training in India's tropical climate.

Unlike traditional lab-based studies, this research is being conducted in actual training settings, striving to connect scientific insights with real-world athletic performance.

This initiative arises amidst rising concerns regarding the prevalent use of supplements among youth athletes. Research suggests that approximately 28% of supplements available in India may be contaminated, increasing the risk of unintentional doping and potential long-term health issues. Experts caution that adolescents are especially susceptible due to their ongoing physical growth and the dangers linked to unsupervised supplement intake.

At present, there are no standardized, evidence-backed guidelines for supplement consumption in this demographic, and information regarding long-term safety and efficacy is scarce. Most existing studies on carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks (CEDs) have concentrated on adults, leaving a significant void in understanding their effects on younger athletes. The ideal formulation of these supplements for adolescents is still a topic of debate.

The project has now progressed to its field execution phase, supported by funding from the Department of Health Research (DHR).

Initial results from a cross-sectional analysis involving 473 athletes aged 15-18, conducted across nine National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), reveal alarming trends. A staggering 91% of participants indicated at least one adverse marker, such as elevated muscle biomarkers, abnormal lactic acid levels, or high perceived exertion. Furthermore, 54% of athletes reported using supplements—including sports drinks, whey protein, and creatine monohydrate—often without age-appropriate guidance.

Officials pointed out that adolescent athletes experience increased physiological stress due to high energy requirements, diminished glycogen stores, and developing motor skills. These factors elevate the risk of injuries and immune system suppression. In the hot and humid climate of India, dehydration exacerbates these challenges, adversely impacting both performance and recovery.

Experts emphasize that carbohydrate-electrolyte drinks can aid in hydration, energy balance, and thermoregulation, aligning with recommendations from international organizations like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). However, the absence of adolescent-specific data highlights the urgent need for focused research.

By combining knowledge from nutrition, physiology, biochemistry, coaching, and recovery sciences, this study aims to produce solid evidence on hydration and recovery strategies for young athletes. The anticipated findings will contribute to national guidelines and help protect athlete health by minimizing the risks associated with unsafe and unregulated supplement usage.