Abstract
Vitamin and mineral supplements are among the most popular supplements used by athletes and active people. Athletes use supplements to improve sports performance, prevent illness, recover from hard training, compensate for poor diet, and provide them energy. Is athletes' faith in micronutrients well placed? This article reviews the effects of energy-producing nutrients (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6), blood-building nutrients (iron, folate, vitamin B12, and copper), bone-building nutrients (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D), and antioxidants (vitamins E and C) on sports performance.