1. The Russians have long stressed the importance of understanding the phenomenon of adaptation and relating it to supercompensation, training and restoration.
2. Russian scientists have done extensive research on the nutritional needs of athletes. The research was very specific to a particular sport and involved keeping records of all the food taken in and its value, the type of workout done, how many calories were burned in the workout, and then measuring what was expelled in the feces and urine. From numerous studies the concluded that the best diet in the world will not replace what an athlete uses up during prolonged and intensive training. Because of this, they recommend supplementation during heavy periods of training.
3. The recommended supplementation is very particular to each sport and is also precisely related to the level of the athlete.
4. When an athlete is in a period of heavy or intense training (usually 6-8 weeks prior to and during the competitive period), he needs supplementation. A “weekend” or recreational athlete may not have to be concerned at all, unless of course, he is getting tired or is lacking in energy. If that is happening it may be due to a nutritional deficiency.
5. In general, it is recommended that all athletes in training take a natural vitamin and mineral supplement. Additional amounts may be needed, depending upon the type or the period of training. It is also important to keep in mind that megadoses of any vitamin can be detrimental as not having enough.