Evolution of the Australian Institute of Sport Supplement Program over the last 25 Years
7 affiliations
- 1Exercise and Nutrition Research Program Australian Catholic University Fitzroy Victoria Australia
- 2Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine Bond University City of Gold Coast Queensland Australia
- 3High Performance Unit Swimming Australia Brisbane Queensland Australia
- 4School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work Griffith University Faculty of Health Gold Coast Queensland Australia
- 5Faculty of Health University of Canberra Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- 6AIS Performance Australian Institute of Sport Belconnen Australian Capital Territory Australia
- 7School of Health University of the Sunshine Coast Maroochydore DC Queensland Australia
Abstract
The Australian Institute of Sport Sports Supplement Program, launched in 2000, promotes evidence-based, safe, and legal supplement use in Australian high-performance sports. It has evolved into a comprehensive framework in response to regulatory changes, rapid growth in supplement products, and widespread access to both information and misinformation. Founded on a “food first” philosophy, it recognises circumstances where supplements may offer unique advantages, including addressing nutrient deficiencies, providing support pre-, during and post-exercise, and supporting performance. Its principles were shaped to counter fragmented regulation, aggressive marketing, and athletes' reliance on non-expert information sources. Central to the framework is a dynamic ABCD classification system, categorising supplements according to the strength of scientific evidence for their effectiveness, safety, and anti-doping risk. Key initiatives include web-based education resources, strategic supplement provision, applied research, and robust governance—especially batch testing and integrity processes—to reduce anti-doping rule violations. The framework now serves as a benchmark for national and international sporting bodies and has driven a cultural shift that places sports dietitians at the forefront of supplement guidance and enhances collaboration across performance support and medicine staff. Future priorities include deeper digital integration, adequate resourcing to remain contemporary, and broader athlete and stakeholder engagement to maintain rigorous, evidence-informed standards.
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BibTeX
@article{burke2026evolution,
title = {{Evolution of the Australian Institute of Sport Supplement Program over the last 25 Years}},
author = {Louise M. Burke and Gregory R. Cox and Ben Desbrow and Michelle Minehan and Aimee Morabito and Greg Shaw and Gary J. Slater},
journal = {International Journal of Sports Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1055/a-2891-6315},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2891-6315},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Evolution of the Australian Institute of Sport Supplement Program over the last 25 Years
AU - Louise M. Burke
AU - Gregory R. Cox
AU - Ben Desbrow
AU - Michelle Minehan
AU - Aimee Morabito
AU - Greg Shaw
AU - Gary J. Slater
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/13
JO - International Journal of Sports Medicine
DO - 10.1055/a-2891-6315
UR - https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2891-6315
AB - The Australian Institute of Sport Sports Supplement Program, launched in 2000, promotes evidence-based, safe, and legal supplement use in Australian high-performance sports. It has evolved into a comprehensive framework in response to regulatory changes, rapid growth in supplement products, and widespread access to both information and misinformation. Founded on a “food first” philosophy, it recognises circumstances where supplements may offer unique advantages, including addressing nutrient deficiencies, providing support pre-, during and post-exercise, and supporting performance. Its principles were shaped to counter fragmented regulation, aggressive marketing, and athletes' reliance on non-expert information sources. Central to the framework is a dynamic ABCD classification system, categorising supplements according to the strength of scientific evidence for their effectiveness, safety, and anti-doping risk. Key initiatives include web-based education resources, strategic supplement provision, applied research, and robust governance—especially batch testing and integrity processes—to reduce anti-doping rule violations. The framework now serves as a benchmark for national and international sporting bodies and has driven a cultural shift that places sports dietitians at the forefront of supplement guidance and enhances collaboration across performance support and medicine staff. Future priorities include deeper digital integration, adequate resourcing to remain contemporary, and broader athlete and stakeholder engagement to maintain rigorous, evidence-informed standards.
SN - 0172-4622
SN - 1439-3964
ER -