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Health effect

Injury Prevention

How can you lower the chance of a sports injury, and what do supplement studies actually measure?

Fitness

Where should prevention start?

Choosing an activity suited to your fitness, building intensity gradually, and using appropriate equipment and technique can lower injury risk. These are practical steps that support staying active. 1

What if something already hurts?

Continuing an activity through injury pain can cause further harm. Assessment considers how the injury happened and may include an examination and imaging. Persistent pain deserves medical attention. 1

How does rehabilitation help?

Physical therapy can strengthen muscles and joints and help prevent another injury. Most sports injuries respond well to treatment and rehabilitation. 1

Nutrients with the strongest ratings

Sorted by the largest rated effect. Bars show effect size, the letter is the evidence grade.

CollagenModerateB
HMBModerateB
ColostrumModerateB
GlucosamineSmallC
BromelainSmallC
CitrullineSmallC
SerrapeptaseSmallC
BPC-157No effectF
All 9 ratingsEvery nutrient rated for injury prevention, with search

What does the evidence cover?

This section covers the specific uses below; other supplements are not reviewed.

ColostrumToo little evidence

A linked review examines injury to the intestinal lining, including damage associated with anti-inflammatory medicines. That is a different question from preventing sprains or tendon injuries during sport. It does not establish that colostrum prevents sports injuries. 2

Questions people ask

Can training choices reduce risk?

Gradual increases, suitable equipment, and appropriate technique can help. 1

Should I train through injury pain?

NIAMS advises stopping the activity because continuing can cause more harm. 1

Does a study of gut injury prove sports protection?

No. The colostrum review addresses intestinal disease and barrier damage, not prevention of sports injuries. 2

Is returning to activity possible?

Most sports injuries respond well to treatment and rehabilitation. 1

Sources