Supplement Overview

• Composition: Compact source of carbohydrate and protein in a bar form. Low in fat and fibre. Some are fortified with micronutrients (typically containing 25-50% NRV of various vitamins and minerals per bar).
• Sports bars are a more concentrated form of carbohydrate than sports drinks and provide a substantial fuel boost when consumed during or after exercise.
• A solid form of carbohydrate intake may be useful to satisfy hunger during some forms of prolonged exercise (i.e. road cycling).
• Provides a compact and portable snack with balanced macronutrient content and a good source of micronutrients.
• Sports bars are more expensive than whole foods and should be used for the specific conditions to which they are most suited rather than as a general snack.

Supplement Profile

• Compact source of energy, supplying carbohydrate and protein in a solid form. Can be used as an energy or carbohydrate supplement
  • Carbohydrate supplement during prolonged training sessions, especially where solid food is appropriate and hunger may otherwise occur.
  • Energy supplement for athletes with high energy requirements.
  • Post-exercise recovery supplement supplying carbohydrate and some protein.
  • Post-exercise recovery supplement for use between events or games in multi-event competition.
• Compact, low-fibre source of carbohydrate
  • Useful as part of pre-event meal for athletes at high risk of gastrointestinal problems during exercise.
  • Useful in making weight strategies as a low-residue snack.
• Convenient, portable, non-perishable snack providing energy, a balance of carbohydrate and protein, and micronutrients
  • Portable snack for the athlete with a busy lifestyle.
  • Useful for travelling athlete who has minimal facilities for food preparation/storage.
  • Can be taken overseas without contravening customs regulations.

Situations for Use in Sport

• Compact fuel source during endurance exercise sessions, especially when hunger is likely and/or it is impractical to take substantial supplies of food.
• Nutrient dense supplement providing energy and carbohydrate in a high-energy diet. Specifically for athletes undertaking a heavy training load, growth or aiming to increase muscle mass.
• Compact and portable source of carbohydrate, protein and other nutrients for post-exercise recovery. Ideal for use where appetite is suppressed following exercise, access to food is limited post-exercise or the athlete has minimal time to eat between exercise sessions.
• Low residue, carbohydrate rich pre-exercise snack.
• Low residue option for weight-making athletes to partially replace meals immediately before weigh-in (reduce weight of gastrointestinal contents).
• Portable and non-perishable food alternative for domestic or international; travel where food availability is limited.

Concerns Associated with Supplement Use

• Sports bars are often overused, leading to inappropriate replacement of whole foods and over-reliance on expensive alternatives. Food sources should always be considered as the first option for meals and snacks.
• Fluid needs should also be considered during and after exercise.
• Athletes should be encouraged to practice use and assess tolerance during training before using in the competition setting.

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