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SUPPLEMENT
SAFETY
Are sports supplements beneficial for your teen?
Are they even safe? By Rebecca Chavers
All athletes want to be the best at what they do and are always looking for something to give
them an edge on their competition. Unfortunately, many athletes turn to sports supplements for the help they need, and there may be more risks involved than they realize. Sports
supplements are not regulated by the FDA, and without the studies that support such regulation,
there is no real proof that they offer any benefits. Plus, the dangers of using these products are
unknown.
Even though most products are sold in “health food” stores, they may not be safe. Some
supplements may contain ingredients that are not listed on the container, since, without FDA
oversight, the manufacturers are not required to reveal that information.
Studies have shown that nearly 25 percent of sports
supplements contain some trace of steroids, which
are illegal and cannot be included on the label’s inStudies have shown that nearly
gredients list. Using products containing steroid-like
substances can lead to serious health issues including liver damage, stroke, pulmonary embolism and
kidney failure.
contain some trace of
According to Dr. Mark Stafford of Bradford
Health, “The only safe supplement that may help is
steroids, which are illegal
whey protein.” Whey protein supplements are meant
and cannot be included on the
to provide the body with a boost of protein that
can help regenerate muscles. However, he added
label’s ingredients list.
that there is no data to support the benefits of whey
protein supplements. Protein supplements may also
be dangerous for athletes that have a history of kidney disease.
Dr. Stafford specifically warned against Creatine, DHEA and similar anabolic steroids. Creatine is hard on the kidneys and, when tested, has only shown a 3 to 5 percent increase in performance. DHEA and other products containing hormones are very harmful. Anabolic steroids are
particularly dangerous. They are not only illegal, but may also increase aggressiveness and rage,
along with a long list of other undesirable side effects. Increased acne and irritability are indicators that athletes may be using anabolic steroids.
Athletes interested in using a protein supplement or any other supplement should consult a
physician. But instead of turning to supplements, Dr. Stafford recommends eating a
well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, taking multivitamins and allowing
the proper amount of time for recovery from any injury.
25% of sports
supplements
When products are
not regulated by the FDA, you
have to rely on the manufacturer
to be completely truthful about their
ingredients. Even if they don’t contain any
steroids other problem substances, many
contain trans fats and lots of added sugar,
both of which are unhealthy to consume
longterm. With no set rules to follow and
almost zero enforcement of improper
practices, unethical conduct and
dishonest claims are not
uncommon.
DANGER
ZONE
Most parents and teens know steroids
are bad for the body, but it never hurts
to refresh your memory. Use of anabolic
steroids has been proven to cause:
• acne on the face and back
• baldness
• a slowdown of growth in athletes
who aren’t done growing yet
• high blood pressure
• unhealthy cholesterol changes,
heart disease, blood clots
and stroke
• liver damage, jaundice or liver
cancer, headaches, aching joints
and muscle cramps
• nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• sleep problems
• increased risk of ligament and
tendon injuries, which can end
an athletic career for good
(Source: American Academy of Pediatrics)
GET PURE PROTEIN
If your teen athlete is looking to amp up their protein intake, they don’t
need to waste the money or risk the potential harm of sports supplements. They can get all the protein their body and muscles need from
foods like tuna, eggs, beans, cottage cheese and lean chicken.
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www.potentialmagazine.com