Top Eight Supplement Myth
Busters
It is important for
individuals — whether it be athletes, coaches, trainers or parents — to get the
information necessary to help them make informed choices when it comes to taking
or recommending supplements.
The following is a list
of the top eight myths surrounding supplements and information that will make
you think twice:
1. I can get all I require from food.
There is undeniable scientific evidence that many types of supplements do indeed enhance athletic performance, not to mention the many positive effects they have on non-athletes. In striving to be the very best, the slightest competitive edge makes a huge difference — which is why so many athletes feel it necessary to take supplements. The idea that all that is required is a "balanced diet" is simply wrong. Some (not all) supplements DO make a difference and rings true, especially if the competition is taking them.
2. Supplements are Available Over the Counter, So They Cannot Contain Anything Banned.
Not so. Levels of
contamination might exist at very low levels and escape scrutiny by
quality control — but sufficient to provide a positive urine test. Examples
have been found of multivitamins and vitamin C tablets which have been
contaminated inadvertently in this way. There have also been cases of products being contaminated with actual pharmaceuticals.
3. I Am Not an Elite Athlete, So
This Issue Doesn't Affect Me
This is a matter of opinion. High school kids are being increasingly required to undertake drug tests. Very low levels within the urine will show a positive test - and be enough for a school to take action — perhaps assuming that this is the tail end of what was a much higher concentration if only the test had been taken earlier.
And taking untested supplements may lead to experimentation with "stronger stuff"— testosterone boosters, stack products, etc. Unless extreme caution is taken, using only products that are tested at a suitable level and creating a class of supplements that are known to be low risk (such as via Informed-Choice), then this can lead into steroid abuse.
4. Such Contamination Poses a Risk
to Health
On the contrary. The trace levels of contamination are unlikely to cause a risk to health, but this is not the point.
If athletes are subject to urine tests, then supplements may pose a risk.
The key question is ... do you want to be taking (or recommending) supplements that may contain contamination with steroids and stimulants— at levels that could show a positive urine test? If you do care about this, take only supplements that have been tested for banned substances, by labs that are qualified in this area (look for ISO 17025 accreditation, specifically for dietary supplements).
5. Supplements Aren't Steroids and Must Be Safe
There are many types of steroids. DHEA is actually a steroid, that is legally available over the counter as a supplement. It is however, banned in sport. Supplements are typically produced by third-party manufacturing companies, that make products for a number of other companies. Contamination from a legal steroid like DHEA, or even more "hard core" products can easily carry over to mainstream supplements. Note that stimulants may also be present as a contaminant.
The key question is…do you want to lower the risk of contamination being present in the supplements that you, or your child, are taking? If so, use only products that are tested for banned substances.
6. Supplements Aren't
Tested
Supplements are typically tested much in line with normal foodstuffs. However, the tests for "banned substances" are hugely sophisticated and need to be more sensitive than traditional techniques. Not using the same methods as are used for pharmaceuticals, food, or water. In fact, pharmaceuticals are often tested using levels of parts per million. Banned substances, like 19-nor androstenedione, have been known to cause a positive drugs test at a level of 10 parts per billion. Pharmaceutical type regulations are irrelevant for banned substance testing.
Banned substance tests are many times more sensitive than traditional food testing - so unless the right tests are being used, banned substances will typically not be found.
7. Supplements are
Not Regulated
They certainly are. Supplement companies must comply with the DSHEA Act, and every year new regulations are handed down that they must abide by. Companies can be audited by the FDA or even the USDA, and penalties for violations can be severe. Additionally, supplement companies must also follow strict guidelines for labeling and claims, lest they fall afoul of the FTC.
8. Supplements Are All natural So
They Are Safe
"Natural" can mean a few things: herbal perhaps, or merely adding to something which is already in our bodies.
Herbal products are among the most troublesome of raw ingredients when it comes to banned substances. The active chemical substance may not be known, and frequently they consist of a cocktail of ingredients. They are also typically sourced from China or India using quality-control systems that perhaps fall below those expected in the United States. Cross contamination may be part of the problem here.
Supplementing something which is already in our bodies (e.g. creatine) is fine at one level - although our bodies never like too much of anything. However, the point is one of inadvertent contamination — not necessarily the active ingredient itself. As mentioned above, there are examples of vitamin C tablets being contaminated with steroids or steroid-related compounds (pro-hormones).
** The important thing to recognize before taking anything; supplement,
vitamin, rehydration or energy drinks, is to make sure you have educated
yourself about what you are taking. Make sure that the products you take are in
line with the goals that you have. Talk with your coaches, trainers, parents,
and most importantly, your doctors, to make sure that you are choosing the right
products. And when given a choice between a product that is tested, and one
that is not-- make an Informed-Choice **
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