The continuous search for well-being and self-improvement is the basis of the great diffusion that food supplements are experiencing in this period. It happens more and more often to find in homes in a drawer or in plain sight on the kitchen top one or more packs of supplements.

By definition of the authorities, the use of supplements is indicated to counteract deficiency states, just think of the pandemic Vitamin D deficiency, or to balance the habits of the individual, see the use of antioxidants for smokers.

Finally, they are used to replenish the substances dispersed during intense physical activity, in this case the classic example is the increase in the consumption of proteins and amino acids after training and matches.

The reasons that push people to take supplements can be varied, however all are attributable to personal goals.

In some cases the goal is to re-integrate micro or macronutrients lost during the day's activities, the most banal example is the use of mineral salts after sports, in other cases the goal may be to improve daily compliance, an example are the use of natural anti-inflammatories, such as devil's claw or turmeric to soothe joint and vasotonic discomfort in the summer, and still resort to the use of supplements often in association with an adequate dietary regime and sporting activity for promote weight loss and body mass recomposition.

On the other hand, when the use of supplements is contextualized purely in the sports field, we can identify two macro objectives: performance and recovery.

Speaking of performance, the concept can be associated with a use limited to sporting commitment, we could also define it as "acute" use.

A good supplement before, during and after training, based on the administration of: energy-supporting carbohydrates, vasodilators (such as beet juice), urea cycle nitric oxide promoters and buffer systems (such as beta-alanine), can generate excellent results.

The use of integration in sport / performance can also be conceived with a "chronic" use, therefore for a prolonged time, in this case the purpose is to modify the capabilities of the "man machine".

Examples are the paths that lead to increases in maximum strength required, in particular in explosive sports such as powerlifting, or to functional mass increases in disciplines such as fitness and Body Building.

I greet you by reminding you that whatever your personal approach to integration is, a good rule of thumb is always to seek advice from industry experts, avoiding do-it-yourself and possible, although very rare, unwanted effects.