ABSTRACT
There is a high prevalence of supplement use in Paralympic sports despite the fact that the impairment- and sport-specific scientific evidence is lacking in most cases. Therefore, this chapter will discuss different aspects of supplement use in Paralympic sports. Questions about whether to take supplements, the potential benefits and risks and the potential negative health implications, as well as how and which supplements might be used and useful will be elucidated. In summary, there is only a limited number of supplements (e.g. caffeine) which to date showed evidence for direct or indirect ergogenic potential in Paralympic sports, and from a practical point of view, individually tailored solutions and recommendations for supplement use are necessary. Supplements should be used with caution and only after a serious risk-benefit analysis, and food-based solutions found wherever possible. Finally, athletes should choose products that are independently tested for banned substances, discussing the use of such products in detail with their coach and sports science and medicine support team.
