The efficacy of dietary supplements on health status and performance of football players: a systematic review

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#humans #dietary-supplements #athletic-performance #health-status #soccer

The efficacy of dietary supplements on health status and performance of football players: a systematic review

Allahyari et al., 2025 | J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol | Systematic Review

Citation

Allahyari Pooneh, Shekari Soheila, ... Gholamalizadeh Maryam. The efficacy of dietary supplements on health status and performance of football players: a systematic review. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2025-Mar-01;36(2-3):147-164. doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2024-0077

Abstract

This study aimed to review the efficacy of commonly used supplements on the health status and performance of football players. We searched several databases for relevant publications published in English up to June 2024 using keywords such as nutritional supplementation, performance, football, and football players. The available literature indicated that l-arginine supplements may improve cardiovascular function, ventilation, the serum level of lactate, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 Max) of football players. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) may improve multiple-choice reaction time. Creatine supplements improve jumping, sprinting, change of direction speed, and reduce fatigue. Among the vitamins, vitamin D improves the serum level of injury-related hormones such as cortisol and testosterone. B vitamins reduce the level of blood lactate in the recovery periods. Vitamin E and vitamin C may improve performance by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing the antioxidant capacity and oxygen delivery to exercising skeletal muscles. Iron supplementation improves endurance capacity. Further studies are warranted to confirm the effects of the supplements on football players, to identify the appropriate dosage of the supplements and also to determine their mechanism of action.

Key Findings

Further studies are warranted to confirm the effects of the supplements on football players, to identify the appropriate dosage of the supplements and also to determine their mechanism of action.

Outcomes Measured

  • cortisol levels

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Athletic Performance
  • Health Status
  • Soccer
  • Athletes
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Vitamins
  • Oxidative Stress

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-c

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09