The stage is set. It's 2016 in Rio de Janeiro and the final heat of the Olympics is about to begin. Sprinters have trained their whole lives for the opportunity that presents itself, and the outcome of the most important event of their lives will come down to a few milliseconds. With a gold medal on the line, these athletes will look for every advantage possible, big or small. One direction these athletes are turning to benefit is supplements. Supplements have emerged as a way for athletes to increase their performance, but their use is highly controversial. Supplements, ranging from simple multivitamins to complex chemical supplements, are used by nearly every athlete, both recreational and professional, looking for a way to get an edge. Although the benefits gained from these supplements are controversial and risky, supplements have become a mainstay of athletics. Humans have strived for optimal health since the beginning of organized civilization, and one way they have attempted to realize this ambition is through supplements. The Sumerians living in present-day Iraq began this practice, and the tradition has continued through history to the present day. What started with primal organic supplements, such as thyme, licorice, and mustard, has progressed to sophisticated supplements available for purchase. (1-1) The understanding of why supplements were effective was advanced in 1746 when sailors recognized that consuming citrus fruits cured scurvy. This was the first recorded moment in history when humans gained knowledge of the concept of vitamins and it changed history completely. After the revelation, humans began to discover numerous vitamins and minerals. This......half paper......consumed immediately before or after an event because they do not provide adequate nutrients for those periods. (1) The use of supplements continues to increase in the United States. Americans are looking for an easy way to take care of their health, and supplements are the solution they've turned to. Supplements come in many different varieties, from natural herbal supplements to chemical pre-workout blends. Although more than half of the U.S. adult population uses supplements, an even greater number of athletes use supplements. However, using supplements is not as easy and simple as it might seem. There are risks associated with supplement use, particularly if you take a lot of prescription drugs, and even greater risks if you are an athlete competing under the WADA code. Despite the risks, exaggerated marketing and uncertainty of success, supplements will continue to be a booming business in the United States.