Case: A 21-year-old competitive cyclist with marginal daily carbohydrate intake, inconsistent hydration, and upcoming national trials asks about using caffeine and creatine. Which integrated plan is most appropriate before recommending either aid?

• A. Advise complete avoidance of all supplements and focus solely on technique regardless of ongoing inadequate carbohydrate intake and hydration status
• B. Recommend anabolic steroids because they will quickly solve performance deficits due to poor diet and have no effect on hydration or eligibility considerations
• C. First optimize daily nutrition (adequate carbohydrates) and hydration practices, address possible contraindications and sport rules, then consider low-to-moderate caffeine use for races and creatine for event-specific power needs if eligible and after informed consent
• D. Immediately start high-dose caffeine and loading-dose creatine because pharmacological aids will compensate for poor nutrition and hydration in the short term

Answer: (C)