Dietary and nutritional supplements are not prohibited for use in football; however, this does not mean that their use is without risk.

Firstly, whilst there is an array of supplements available from a variety of sources, evidence supporting their claims to improve physical attributes such as strength and endurance is often limited.

Secondly, because supplement companies are not required by law to list all the ingredients in their products, they can be a risk for footballers because some may contain banned substances that are not listed on the label. These companies are also not subject to the same quality control procedures as those in the pharmaceutical industry, meaning that there is a risk of contamination with a prohibited substance that even the manufacturers themselves may be unaware of.

The FA does not recommend that players take supplements, but if you do decide to take them, you are strongly advised to consult your club medical staff first.  Make sure that you limit the risks as much as possible:-

• Assess the need - Seek expert nutritional/dietary advice. 

• Assess the risk - know, understand and address the risks of contamination.
 
• Make an informed decision - try to use a reliable manufacturer or try to find products that are independently screened for the presence of prohibited substances. See www.informed-sport.com which provides a testing and accreditation process for supplements*.

Always remember that you are responsible for anything that is in your body when you are drug tested.  If you test positive because of a contaminated supplement, you would face the same suspension as if you had deliberately taken a banned substance.

Further information on the use of supplements in sport can be found by clicking here.

*Note that whilst using a regulated manufacturer/supplier may help to reduce risk, it remains a player’s responsibility to ensure that they do not take prohibited substances.  The FA accepts no liability for the contents of supplements produced, recommended or approved by Informed Sport or any other organisation.