Dietary supplement and medication use in professional and pre-professional dancers: widespread use but limited evidence of benefit-a systematic review.

Our assessment

This analysis is based on a systematic review published in 2026. A systematic review is a high-level study that gathers and evaluates all available research on a topic, but the specific details about the number of participants, study design, and duration of the included individual studies are not provided in the available data. The review focused on dietary supplement and medication use in professional and pre-professional dancers. Because the underlying studies are not described here, we cannot confirm the sample size or the strength of the individual trials. Data not available on the specific number of dancers or the length of the studies reviewed.

How it works

The key finding from this systematic review is that supplement and medication use is widespread among dancers, but there is limited evidence to show that these products provide a clear benefit for performance or health. What this means for you is that even though many dancers may be using supplements, the scientific support for their effectiveness is weak. The review highlights a gap between common practice and proven results, suggesting that dancers and those in similar physically demanding fields should be cautious about relying on supplements for a performance edge. Data not available on specific supplements or medications studied.

Safety profile

Data not available on specific adverse events or side effect reports from the FDA for the supplements or medications mentioned in this review. The review itself notes a "widespread use" but "limited evidence of benefit," which implies a potential for unnecessary risk without proven reward. Without specific FDA data on adverse event reports for these products in this population, the safety profile cannot be detailed here. Data not available from FDA data provided.

Our recommendation

Given the review's conclusion that there is widespread use but limited evidence of benefit, the most prudent approach is to prioritize a well-balanced diet to meet nutritional needs, especially for those with high physical demands like dancers. Before starting any supplement, consult with a healthcare provider or a sports dietitian who can assess your individual needs based on blood work and dietary intake. Do not rely on supplements to replace a healthy diet or to compensate for inadequate training or recovery. Data not available on specific dosages or types of supplements from this review NIH ODS ↗ NIH DSLD ↗.