The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Sports Supplements Framework: A Comprehensive Guide
The Australian Institute of Sport’s Sports Supplements Framework represents a significant advancement in the management and use of sports foods and supplements in high-performance athletics. This framework has been meticulously developed through collaboration between sporting organisations, sports science and medicine professionals, coaches and athletes. Its guiding principles revolve around three key questions: Is the supplement safe? Is it permitted in sport? And is there evidence that it works?
Historical and Operational Context
The AIS Sports Supplements Framework has evolved over time, serving as a case study in the management of sports supplements and foods within the Australian high-performance sport environment. This evolution reflects a commitment to delivering best practice for the safe, effective and permitted use of supplements by athletes.
Classification and Review Process
The framework employs the ABCD Classification system, categorizing sports foods and supplement ingredients into four groups. These groups are determined based on scientific evidence and practical considerations regarding product safety, clearance for use in sport, and effectiveness in enhancing athletic performance. Classification of supplements and sports foods is a dynamic process, evolving with new knowledge and informed direction from key stakeholders. The AIS Supplements Framework Committee, which regularly reviews the framework, meets quarterly to review requests for the addition or alteration of specific supplement ingredients.
Structure and Composition of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Supplement List
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) supplements list is structured using the ABCD Classification System, a classification method that categorises nutritional supplements based on their scientific evidence and other practical considerations that determine whether they are safe, legal and effective in enhancing sports performance. This classification was developed under the direction of Professor Louise Burke and is a leading reference in sports supplement research.
Group A
Group A supplements have solid scientific evidence and are subdivided into three subcategories:
- Sports Foods: Sports drinks, gels, sports confectionery, energy and protein bars, electrolytes, protein powders and mixed supplements.
- Medical Supplements: Iron, calcium, multivitamin, vitamin D, probiotics and zinc.
- Performance Supplements: Caffeine, beta-alanine, bicarbonate, beet juice/nitrates, creatine and glycerol.
Group B
This group includes supplements with emerging scientific support and is subdivided into five subcategories:
- Food Polyphenols: Fruit derivatives.
- Others: Collagen, carnitine, curcumin, ketones, fish oils, menthol, pickle juice, quinine.
- Antioxidants: Vitamin C and N-Acetylcysteine.
Group C
Includes supplements for which scientific evidence does not support benefits among athletes or has not yet been sufficiently researched.Includes magnesium, alpha lipoic acid, HMB, branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and leucine, phosphate, prebiotics, vitamin E, tyrosine and others not in Groups A, B and D.
Group D
This group includes prohibited substances or those with a high risk of contamination that could lead to a positive doping test, such as ephedrine, strychnine, sibutramine, herbal stimulants, prohormones, hormonal enhancers, GH releasers and peptides, beta-2 agonists, metabolic modulators and others.
Participation and Application
Applications for the addition or reclassification of substances to the framework can be submitted by members of the Performance Support teams within the National Institute Network or National Sport Organisations in Australia. This inclusive approach allows for a broad spectrum of expert input, ensuring the framework remains up to date and relevant.
In summary, the AIS Sports Supplements Framework is a vital tool for athletes, offering well-researched, safe and effective guidance for the use of supplements in sport, continually updated to reflect the latest scientific findings and industry practices..