Supplements and Sports

Athletes are always seeking ways to enhance their performance, making them better, stronger, faster, and more powerful than before. To this end, some athletes turn to supplements for a competitive edge. However, athletes should keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is! Following are some key points to remember when considering any type of nutritional, dietary, or herbal supplement.

• The manufacturing of dietary supplements in the U.S. is not standardized and does not undergo rigorous testing and screening as it does for medicines and other drugs. Therefore, the safety, efficacy, and purity of dietary supplements are not regulated, and the concentration of active ingredients (and whether they are contained in the preparation at all) is inconsistent.
• Many nutritional and/or dietary supplements contain NCAA-banned and/or illegal substances. Furthermore, supplements that are impure and/or contaminated with banned substances may lead to a positive drug test.
• Some dietary supplements, especially those containing ephedrine (ephedra), have been known to have life-threatening – and even fatal – consequences. Other risky supplements include androstenedione (“andro”) and other "prohormone" precursors to testosterone, yohimbine, and kava-containing products.
• Supplements that contain vitamins, caffeine, creatine, and protein powder are generally safe when taken in recommended amounts, but may be harmful when taken in large doses for an extended period of time.
• Energy drinks that contain herbs, amino acids, protein, and other substances, usually contain them in such small amounts that they are unlikely to have any noticeable effect (positive or negative) on athletic performance. However, they may contribute to the inefficient absorption of fluid and nutrients from the intestine, leading to gastrointestinal distress, which may impair performance.
• Supplements that have a USP (United States Pharmacopoeia) label have passed tests for dissolution, disintegration, potency, and purity. In addition, nationally known food and drug manufacturers are often trustworthy sources of supplements since they generally produce them using the strict quality control measures they already have in place.
• Many supplements can negatively impact hydration status, which is a sure-fire way to hinder athletic performance.
• The best way to achieve peak athletic performance is with a sound training program and good nutrition and hydration. Supplements will not provide a “quick fix” to performance problems.
• Athletes using any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) should avoid any product that contains herbs due to possible drug interactions.
• An athlete’s doctor should know about any supplements or herbs being taken, particularly if he/she is prescribing or recommending a medication.
• If there is no Nutrition Facts or Supplement Facts panel on the label, then do not buy the product.
• Avoid the product if the evidence for claims is non-existent, incomplete, or unsubstantiated! You can investigate evidence for claims, product testing, and safety from third-party, independent labs such as Consumer Lab (www.consumerlab.com).
• When in doubt, don’t take it.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is…and taking it may even jeopardize your health and your life!