[Are the integrators and supplements useful in sports?].

The continued controversy regarding doping in Italian soccer turns the discussion to the use of food integration in sports. In Italy, there is only the word "integrator" to name many products so different regarding biological features and indication usage. We think it is useful, first of all, to talk about the meaning of integration, and then to introduce the differences between nutritional ergogenic aids and supplements and, finally, to think through relationship between nutrition and athletic performance. On the basis of recent literature, there is no evidence of any real benefit for athletes in taking nutritional ergogenic aids or supplements.