Diving into Details on Dietary Supplements

Many athletes are use and rely on nutritional supplements to drive their sports performance.

In this post I will share information from Teen Health, which is a reliable site and organization because of its knowledgeable authors, videos, and articles that assist teens in achieving fitness and health knowledge and their fitness goals. I will specifically discuss, “Sports Supplements”.

http://kidshealth.org/

What are the dietary supplements that athletes use?

Many athletes use dietary supplements as part of their regular training or competition routine. These athletes include about 85% of elite track and field athletes. Supplements commonly used include vitamins, minerals, protein and various "ergogenic" compounds or aids to enhance their performance.

How are these products distributed among athletes and what nutritional value do they contain?

Dietary supplements do not require U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval before they come on the market. Although, guidelines and certain correct manufacturing practices must be met by companies producing and distributing dietary supplements. These guidelines ensure quality and nutritional value. Using over-the-counter medicines and prescription medications, including anabolic steroids, that aren’t considered supplements, set one at a higher risk of serious side effects.

How do some common supplements affect the body of an athlete? 

Androstenedione, called andro, and dehydroepiandrosterone, called DHEA, are pro-hormones or "natural steroids" that can be broken down into testosterone. Both are contained in most dietary supplements and cause hormone imbalances in people who use them. An increased amount of these pro-hormones can lead to the serious side effects of testicular cancer, infertility, stroke, and an increased risk of heart disease. The height of an athlete can also be affected when taking these supplements. 

Supplements that contain mainly vitamins and nutrients rather than hormones and pro-hormones typically enhance an athlete’s diet the way he/she would like. One should always be cautious and aware when altering his/her diet with nutritional supplements.

Future Discussion Questions:
1. How does calorie intake and diet affect daily performance and stress levels?