When evaluating products and claims, several things have to be kept in mind.
Does the amount and form of the active ingredient claimed to be present in the supplement match that used in scientific studies on this ergogenic aid?
Advertisement
Does the claim by the manufacturer match the science of nutrition and exercise?
Does the ergogenic claim make sense for the sport for which the claim is made?
Quality of supportive evidence
What evidence is provided (scientific or testimonial?)
What is the quality of the science?
Reputation of the researcher(s)?
Journal in which the science is published?
Was the research sponsored by a supplement company? Was it a hypothesis-driven, randomised, placebo-controlled, blinded research tial? On humans or in test tubes?
Were methods clearly presented so study results could be reproduced?
Are results clearly presented in an unbiased manner, with appropriate statistical analysis? Are results feasible, and the conclusions that follow reasonable and based on the data?
Safety and legality of the ergogenic aid
Is the product safe? Will it compromise the health of an individual? Does the product contain some toxic or unknown substance? Is the product contraindicated in people with a particular health problem?
Will the use of the product preclude other factors in optimising performance (training, for example?)
Is the product illegal or banned by any athletic or sporting organisation? Is there a legal limit to the use of the ergogenic aid, in terms of use?
Additional tips and recommendations
Supplements should only be taken when there is proof that the diets cannot provide the quantities of nutrients needed. This requires a thorough assessment by a registered sports dietician/nutritionist.
Dosages of supplements need to be calculated to avoid overdose. Avoid taking a variety of supplements supplying the same nutrients (polypharmacy) and note that more is not always better since there is an optimal level of nutrient functioning beyond which they become detrimental.
Excessive intakes of individual nutrients (vitamin A, for example) can either be toxic or lead to birth defects. Others may prevent the absorption of essential nutrients. A high iron intake, for instance, inhibits iron absorption.
The form of the supplement may determine its bio-availability. For example, amino acid supplements in the L-form are better utilised than those in D-form.
Individuals may respond differently. Try and test a diet and a supplement well before competition.
Supplements required in clinical situations require a medical diagnosis and should only be prescribed by a sports physician or dietician in writing.
No persons under the age of 18 should take any sport- specific supplements without advice from a sports physician or dietician.
All supplement labels should be carefully studied and ingredients noted. Note that the term "natural" does not mean that a product is safer than other drugs. Products do not always carry warnings about potential adverse effects on the labels of their products.
If the product says 'IOC permitted," this does not mean it is safe to use. The IOC does not endorse any nutritional supplements.
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?