What does ergogenic means?

Ergogenic means to increase the capacity of the body or mind to perform a task. Ergogenic aids are substances, devices, or practices used to improve exercise and athletic performance. They work mainly by enhancing energy utilization and delaying the onset of fatigue. Ergogenic aids can be of several types like physical, mechanical, physiological, psychological, and nutritional (Bucci, 1993; Sobal and Marquart, 1994; Theinet al., 1995).

Nutritional ergogenic aids are dietary substances such as food or drugs that are consumed before, during, or after the exercise to enhance physical performance (Bucci,1993).

They enhance performance by either stimulating the central or peripheral nervous system, increasing energy production during exercise (by increasing the concentration of substrates that supply fuel or inhibiting substances that interfere with energy productions) or, by reducing muscle damage and enhancing recovery (Ivy, 1994).

Nutritional ergogenic aids can be broadly classified into three categories:

• Macronutrients such as water, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
• Micronutrients like minerals, vitamins, and metabolic intermediates.
• Nonessential dietary substances like bicarbonates, caffeine etc.

Source: Effects of Amino Acid Derivativeson Physical, Mental, and Physiological Activities (FEBY LUCKOSE, MOHAN CHANDRA PANDEY, and KOLPE RADHAKRISHNA).