In the world of sports performance, athletes often seek every possible advantage to improve their training results and gain a competitive edge. Along with meticulous training programs and tailored nutrition plans, the strategic use of supplements and functional foods has become increasingly common among athletes looking to optimize their performance. The “Food First” approach, which promotes a focus on conventional and unprocessed foods, is the fundamental goal of an evidence-based sports nutrition plan. However, some supplements and sports foods can play a small but valuable role in such a plan.
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is a world-renowned institution in elite sports, recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation. For decades, it has been a fundamental pillar in promoting safe and effective sports performance, working closely with athletes, coaches, and health professionals to establish quality and safety standards in the sports supplement industry. In this context, the ABCD Classification System, developed by the AIS, represents a significant milestone in the evaluation and recommendation of supplements for high-performance athletes.
Understanding the ABCD System
The ABCD Classification System is a fundamental tool for categorizing sports foods and supplement ingredients into four groups, considering scientific evidence and other important considerations, such as their composition and safety for athletes. This system focuses on sports foods and individual ingredients, as shown in Figure 1, rather than specific brands and products, thereby providing a clear guide for athletes and healthcare professionals.
Group A:
This group includes products with a strong scientific evidence base for use in specific situations in sport, supported by evidence-based protocols. These products are permitted for use by identified athletes in accordance with best practice protocols. Examples of sports foods and medical supplements in this group include sports drinks, sports gels, vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium.
Group B:
Here are products with emerging scientific support, which deserve further research. While widespread use is not recommended, they may be considered for individual athletes in research or clinical monitoring situations. Examples of these products include dietary polyphenols, antioxidants, and certain specific flavors.
Group C:
Products in this group lack scientific evidence to support their benefit for athletes or have not been the subject of sufficient research. Their use is not recommended within supplement programs, although it may be permitted in specific cases with appropriate approval. Examples include magnesium, alpha-lipoic acid, and prebiotics.
Group D:
Finally, this group comprises prohibited products or those at high risk of contamination with substances that could lead to a positive doping test. They should not be used under any circumstances. Examples include stimulants such as epinephrine, prohormones and stimulating hormones like DHEA, and GH releasers and peptides.
Fig 1: Sports supplements and foods classified according to the ABCD System published by the AIS in 2022.
Supplement Evaluation
The supplement evaluation process involves a detailed review of available scientific research, as well as practical considerations such as ingredient quality and manufacturer reputation. Supplements that have been proven safe and effective in clinical studies are classified into categories A or B, indicating they are suitable for use by high-performance athletes.
Safety Considerations
In addition to evaluating the efficacy of supplements, the ABCD System also takes into account their safety for athletes. Products that contain potentially harmful ingredients or have been associated with adverse side effects are classified into categories C or D, indicating that their use should be avoided or carefully supervised.
Practical Implementation
For athletes and healthcare professionals, understanding and applying the ABCD System can help optimize sports performance while minimizing health risks. By following the AIS classification recommendations, athletes can make informed decisions about which supplements to use and how to safely integrate them into their training regimen.
It is important to keep in mind that the use of supplements must be carefully evaluated. When in doubt, and to avoid the indiscriminate use of supplements, a professional should be consulted to assess which supplement may be suitable for the athlete based on numerous factors such as lifestyle habits, nutrition, time of the season, goal, genetics, and even specific needs such as deficiencies in a mineral or vitamin. This personalized approach ensures that athletes obtain the greatest benefits from supplements while minimizing risks to their health and sports performance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the ABCD System provides a valuable tool for athletes who wish to maximize their sports performance safely and effectively. By classifying supplements and sports foods based on their safety and efficacy, the AIS is helping to ensure that athletes have access to products that can improve their performance without risking their health or compliance with sporting regulations. This classification, agreed upon by the AIS Sports Supplement Framework Committee, will constantly evolve with new knowledge and the informed direction of stakeholders.
Bibliographic References
- https://www.ais.gov.au/nutrition/supplements
- https://www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list
