Conclusions
Recognition of the needs for and the effects of the
consumption of food supplements such as carbohydrates,
proteins, sodium, and caffeine - among other
substances - before, during, and after physical activity
could benefit the food industry. Within the EU this
should be achieved through regulation by the EFSA
- based on scientific opinions of the nutritional and
health claims made for the products, including different
chemical ingredients - to guarantee the food safety
of the products and the health of the athletes. In addition,
further scientific evidence should be provided by
new clinical trials in order to help the Expert Committees
of the EFSA arrive at robust scientific opinions
concerning these functional foods, and their individual
ingredients, aimed at the sport population. It is clear
that the legal regulation of sport products by the EU
continues in its infancy