Nutritional Supplement Survey
Here are questions and my short answers from a nutritional supplement survey that I did in 2008 for a student. See also a similar interview I did about Vitamins and Athletes.
-
How long have you been a sports dietitian? 8 years.
-
How did you get into this area of nutrition? I started studying science at University, majoring in biochemistry, and discovered that the unit of nutritional science/nutritional biochemistry was the most interesting for me so I changed my direction of study.
-
What percentage (approximately) of clients ask about using nutritional supplements/nutritional ergogenic aids? Of my sporting clients, at a guess around 50-60% would ask about using supplements or ergogenic aids. However if we are including 'sports drinks' and other food type supplements (which I consider to be in this category)I would increase that percentage to abound 80-85%.
-
What is your philosophy on the use of nutritional supplements/nutritional ergogenic aids? I would never recommend anything to my clients that is currently illegal according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. I always suggest the use of 'real' food as a first step to improving performance, before looking to use any supplements.
-
How you keep up to date about the latest nutritional supplements/nutritional ergogenic aids, their safety, uses, doses, etc? I try to keep up with the latest research by reading research journals and going to the occasional conferences. My professional association Sports Dietitians Australia (www.sportsdeititians.com.au) has a great website that also keeps me up to date with current knowledge.
-
Which nutritional supplements/nutritional ergogenic aids do your clients ask about the most? Caffeine, creatine, Sports drinks, Sports bars and Sports gels, Protein powders.
Articles about sports nutrition 
What is a sports dietitian, how to beome one, where to find one
About Clare, the sports dietitian 
Are you looking for a sports dietitian? Here are the services I provide