Supplement Overview

• Athletes who restrict their total energy intake or dietary variety are at risk of an inadequate intake of vitamins and minerals.
• There is no evidence that supplementation with vitamins and minerals enhances performance except in cases where a pre-existing deficiency exists.

Supplement Profile

• Daily dose of Centrum multivitamin and mineral (low dose, broad range product) to supplement inadequate dietary intake.
• Ideally, supplement should only be provided to athletes after nutritional assessment by a sports dietitian.

Situations for Use in Sport

• Athletes undertaking a prolonged period of travel, particularly to countries with an inadequate or otherwise limited food supply.
• Athletes undertaking a prolonged period of energy restriction (e.g. 8MJ/1900 kcal for females or 10 MJ/2300 kcal for males) for weight loss, or weight maintenance.
• Athletes with a restricted dietary intake who are unable/unwilling to increase food range.
• Athletes with a heavy competition schedule, involving disruption to normal eating patterns.

Concerns Associated with Supplement Use

• May be used to provide a placebo for athlete insisting on supplementation.
• May provide a false sense of security to athletes who are otherwise eating poorly.

Last Updated 3/1/07

This fact sheet has been prepared by the AIS Sports Nutrition as part of the AIS Sports Supplement Program. The AIS Sports Supplement Program has been designed for the specific needs of AIS athletes. It is recommended that other athletes and groups seek independent advice before using any supplement. © Australian Sports Commission 2007