ABSTRACT
Protein supplements may stave off a protein deficiency in adolescent wrestlers as the protein requirements of resistance trained adults is 1.6 g/kg bodyweight per day, and youth and adult protein requirements are similar. Additionally, this may be the case since total energy intake was reportedly somewhere in the neighborhood of ~1,500 calories in adolescent wrestlers prior to the current weight loss regulations. Creatine monohydrate has been found to be effective in improving anaerobic exercise capacity. Many youth athletes may already be using creatine monohydrate as an effective nutritional ergogenic aid. However, this practice should not be undertaken prior to many years of training to reach one’s “natural potential”. Nonetheless, both protein supplementation and creatine monohydrate supplementation in youth should be monitored by a physician who determines kidney and liver function. β-alanine, sodium bicarbonate, caffeine, sports drinks, oral rehydration solutions, and concentrated carbohydrate solutions can be used successfully to improve performance. Particular caution should be taken with caffeine, although ergogenic, it can contribute to dehydration.
