CBD and Sport - Is This the Next Miracle Supplement

CBD and sport – is this the next miracle supplement? 

Especially in Colorado, CBD infused products seem to be everywhere. CBD is showing up in sports drinks, recovery products, energy drinks, and more! So, what is the deal with CBD? 

Some studies are showing that CBD may be able to play a role in preventing inflammation, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and managing pain. There have also been few side effects seen in these studies, the primary one being diarrhea and upset stomach. So, if there is a potential for all this benefit with such little risk, why not start taking it? 

While there are a handful of studies looking at the effects of CBD on sport, most of them are very short term and have small sample sizes. These studies primarily look at the effects of CBD over 6 weeks or less. If you are an individual hoping to use these products as a part of your consistent routine or through your season, there isn’t any science showing the impact it might have. With any supplement, there is a fine line between ergogenic (helpful) and ergolytic (harmful). Since the studies on CBD are preliminary, there isn’t much guidance on when these products tip the scales from helpful to hurtful in terms of performance. Long story short – research is inconclusive at best and more research is needed to confirm any potential benefits of these products. 

You might be thinking to yourself, if the worst that could happen is some diarrhea, why not try it out, even if the research isn’t there yet? While the direct effects of CBD appear to be minimal, the greater risk is ending up with a contaminated supplement. Since these products are so new to the market, many of them are unregulated and if you aren’t buying from a reputable source they could have drastically different amounts of CBD in them, or even large amounts of THC. If CBD is a product you are considering, make sure you are buying a brand that is NSF certified to ensure it contains appropriate amounts of CBD and no surprise ingredients. 

Anything that is promoted as a “cure all” is likely too good to be true. CBD might have some positive benefits, but if this is a product you choose to use, don’t expect it to fix everything. It is important to still rely on sound nutrition, recovery methods, sleep cycles, and as with any supplement – keep use in moderation.