ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to assess the influence of dietary supplement on optimum sports performance among athletes in the University of Benin, Nigeria. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 214 randomly selected respondents and analysed by frequency counts and simple percentages.
The finding revealed that the majority of the respondents were of the opinion that the use of dietary supplements improved endurance, muscle mass, strength, contraction and relaxation efficiency, while reducing recovery time and fatigue. However, most respondents opined that dietary supplements do not prevent injuries.
It was therefore concluded that dietary supplement usage positively influences elements of sports performance including endurance, body composition, optimum speed, fatigue and flexibility. Recommendations made included the regulation of the use of these supplements, consumption in prescribed doses and use of only certified dietary supplement.
