The Best Supplements for Athletes

When it comes to athletic performance, the right supplements can be a huge game-changer. From electrolytes to protein powders, these scientifically formulated products can be crucial in enhancing training, accelerating recovery, and supporting overall health.

At ASN, we offer a HASTA-approved collection of supplements, all of which have been rigorously tested for quality and efficacy. Essentially, this ensures that athletes receive only the best, cleanest products to support their intense training regimens. So that brings us to this guide that you’ve landed on. We will explore the best supplements for athletes that can help elevate your performance and maintain optimal health. In a nutshell, if you want to train harder and recover faster, then listen up because this is for you.

It’s the P word. We’re talking protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making whey protein probably the most popular choice among athletes (and for good reason). Whey protein is rich in naturally occurring amino acids that support muscle synthesis, helping to support lean muscle growth and repair after intense workouts.

Recommended Dosage and Timing:

Take 20-30 grams of whey protein within 30 minutes post-exercise for optimal results.

Body Science Whey Protein is a HASTA-approved premium supplement designed to deliver high-quality protein for muscle growth and recovery. Supported by scientific research, it provides essential amino acids to help you build strength and enhance your athletic performance.

Gen-Tec Hydro Pro is a cutting-edge hydrolysed whey protein designed to maximise muscle recovery and growth for athletes. Its rapid absorption rate ensures that essential amino acids reach your muscles quickly, helping to enhance strength and accelerate post-workout recovery.

Evolve Reload is an Informed Choice Certified recovery matrix that combines hydrolysed WPI, rapid-absorbing carbs, creatine, L-glutamine, and BCAAs. These work synergistically to fuel recovery, muscle protein synthesis, nutrient absorption, and muscle growth.

We know you might be thinking ‘plant-based protein’ is not sufficient for athletes…but we’re here to bust that myth. For vegan and vegetarian athletes (Novak Djokovic, Morgan Mitchell etc), plant-based protein offers a suitable alternative to whey. These proteins are often derived from peas, rice, sunflower seeds and hemp, providing a complete amino acid profile. While plant-based proteins are slightly lower in some amino acids, they remain an effective option for muscle repair and growth.

Prana On Power Plant is a HASTA-approved plant-based protein powder designed to support muscle growth and recovery for athletes. With its complete amino acid profile and added digestive enzymes, it provides the essential nutrients needed to optimise post-workout recovery and support gut health.

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Plant Protein delivers a delicious and high-quality plant-based protein to support muscle growth and recovery for athletes. With 24 grams of blended pea, brown rice, and fava bean proteins, it provides a complete amino acid profile to enhance performance and optimise post-workout nutrition.

Body Science Clean Plant Protein is HASTA-approved and contains a blend of high-quality plant-based proteins, providing athletes with a complete amino acid profile for optimal muscle recovery and growth. Its unique formula includes added digestive enzymes to enhance protein absorption, ensuring that athletes can maximise their performance and recovery.

Creatine is renowned for enhancing strength and power. It increases the availability of ATP, the energy currency of cells, allowing for more intense and prolonged workouts. It’s no wonder it’s one of the most researched supplements on the market. Check out our Top 10 Creatine Supplements or Creatine Benefits, Who Should Use It and How?

Dosage Guidelines and Cycling Recommendations:

A typical dosage is 3-5 grams per day, with a loading phase of 20 grams per day for the first week (Naderi, A et al. 2016).

Body Science Pure Creatine enhances muscle strength and power by increasing the availability of ATP during high-intensity workouts, making it a non-negotaible supplement for athletes. Its unique feature is its ultra-micronised formula, which ensures rapid absorption and maximum efficacy, helping athletes achieve peak performance and faster recovery.

Body Science Myocytin Creatine is engineered to boost muscle power and endurance, aiding athletes in pushing through intense training sessions. Its unique blend combines creatine monohydrate with additional minerals and amino acids, ensuring superior absorption and efficacy for optimal athletic performance. Plus, it’s HASTA-approved!

Evolve Creatine RX enhances muscle strength and power by increasing phosphocreatine stores, allowing athletes to perform at their peak during high-intensity workouts. What makes Creatine RX unique is its in-built transport system of Creatine Monohydrate, GlycerSize™ and AstraGin® to create a premium quality formula that supports enhanced creatine absorption and uptake. 

BCAAs play a crucial role in reducing muscle soreness and fatigue. They provide an immediate source of energy during intense training sessions, supporting endurance and recovery. To learn more about amino acids, check out the Top 10 Amino Acids in Australia or BCAAs vs EAAs: What's The Difference?

Best Practices for Usage:

Consume BCAAs before, during, or after workouts to maximise benefits.

Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy provides a potent blend of amino acids and natural caffeine to boost energy, focus, and muscle recovery for athletes. Its unique combination of essential amino acids and green tea extract ensures sustained energy and enhanced performance without the crash, making it an ideal supplement for both pre-workout and anytime energy support.

Body Science BCAA Amino Water delivers a precise ratio of branched-chain amino acids to support muscle repair and reduce fatigue during intense training sessions. Its HASTA-approved formula includes added electrolytes for optimal hydration, ensuring athletes can maintain peak performance and endurance.

Gentec P2P is a cutting-edge intra-workout supplement that enhances muscle endurance and performance, making it ideal for athletes pushing their limits. Its HASTA-approved and contains a unique blend of ingredients including Creapure Creatine Monohydrate, Optipure Glutamine, BCAAs & EAAs, Arginine Alpha, Citrulline Malate, Vitamin C, among a range of other effective nutrients.

Beta-alanine is known for delaying muscle fatigue, enabling athletes to push through their limits. It works by buffering lactic acid, reducing the burning sensation in muscles during intense exercise.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for joint health and inflammation reduction. They support overall cardiovascular health, making them a valuable supplement for athletes.

Sources and Forms Available:

Omega-3s can be found in fish oil, krill oil, and plant-based sources like flaxseed oil and algae. 

Multivitamins provide comprehensive benefits for overall health. Key vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Iron are crucial for athletes. To see more of our range check out our Top 10 Multivitamins. 

Key Vitamins and Minerals Necessary for Athletes:

Vitamin D supports bone health, Magnesium aids in muscle function, and Iron is vital for oxygen transport.

Tips for Selecting a High-Quality Multivitamin:

Look for multivitamins that offer a balanced blend of essential nutrients and are free from unnecessary additives.

Glutamine plays a significant role in immune function and muscle recovery. It's particularly beneficial during periods of intense training or stress. Learn more about glutamine with our article Why's Everyone Talking About L-Glutamine.

Proper Dosage and Timing:

A typical dose is 5-10 grams per day, taken post-exercise.

Electrolytes are vital for hydration and preventing cramps. They help maintain fluid balance and muscle function, especially during prolonged exercise. For more on electrolytes check out the article Electrolyte Supplements For Hydration and Endurance Support.

Common Sources:

Electrolytes can be found in sports drinks, powders, and supplement tablets.

Recommended Intake Before, During, and After Exercise:

Hydrate with electrolyte-rich drinks before, during, and after exercise to sustain performance and recovery.

Evolve Damage Control contains the perfect blend of EAAs and BCAAs in ratios backed by over 20 years of research to maximise muscle growth and repair. The added Electrolytes & Hydration complex including 1000mg of Celtic sea salt, helps to keep you hydrated and performing at your optimal level. We've gone one step further by adding Velositol® and AstraGin® to supercharge nutrient absorption and increase muscle protein synthesis.

Evolve Hydr8 is a cutting-edge hydration and electrolyte formula engineered to maintain peak performance and replenish lost nutrients. It sets itself apart with its advanced blend of magnesium, Pink Himalayan Salt, Aquamin® Marine multi-mineral complex, and Senactiv®. Formulated with no sugar or fillers, Hydr8 supports hydration, electrolyte balance, nutrient replenishment, and muscle recovery.

Endura Rehydration Performance Fuel is expertly formulated to replenish electrolytes and fluids lost during intense physical activity, ensuring athletes maintain optimal hydration. Its scientifically-developed blend supports sustained energy and endurance, allowing athletes to perform at their peak for longer durations.

Pre-workout supplements contain components like caffeine and beta-alanine that boost energy and performance. They can help athletes perform at their best during training sessions.

Considerations for Safe Use:

Start with a lower dose to assess tolerance, and avoid taking pre-workouts too close to bedtime.

Body Science K-OS PWO is a powerful pre-workout supplement designed to support energy, focus, and muscle endurance for athletes. Its scientifically-formulated and HASTA-approved blend includes high-quality ingredients supporting performance and delaying fatigue, enabling athletes to maximise their training sessions.

Understanding the best supplements for athletes can significantly impact your training, recovery, and overall performance. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen to ensure they align with your individual needs and health goals.

Balancing supplementation with a well-rounded diet and consistent training is key to achieving your athletic potential. By incorporating the right supplements, you can enhance your performance and reach new heights in your athletic journey. For more advice head in-store or chat with one of our friendly team members online.

Naderi, A et al. (2016) Timing, optimal dose and intake duration of dietary supplements with evidence-based use in sports nutrition. J Exerc Nutrition Biochem.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5545206/