Dietary supplements are regulated by the FDA as foods, not as drugs. However, many dietary supplements contain ingredients that have strong biological effects that may conflict with a medication you are taking or with a medical condition you may have. Products containing hidden drugs are also sometimes falsely marketed as dietary supplements, putting consumers at even greater risk. For these reasons, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using any dietary supplement.
Read these consumer updates for more information. Dietary needs change during every stage of life. A nutritious, balanced eating plan can help ensure that you get enough essential nutrients to maintain optimal health or manage health conditions. In addition, learn about the latest trends in nutrition and how mental health is related to physical health.
Athletes face intense training and fierce competition as they work to reach the top of their game. With supplements that claim to improve strength, agility, speed, and weight, it can be tempting to try something that helps improve competitive advantage. Unfortunately, not all supplements live up to their claims. Dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S.
UU. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but the process is different from that of regulating conventional foods and drugs. Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that their products are reasonably safe and not misleading; however, they are not required to prove that a supplement works before marketing it, or even that it contains what it says it contains. Some organizations test supplements to verify their contents, such as US Pharmacopeia, Informed Choice, or NSF International, whose label can be found on the packaging of the supplements that have been tested.
The FDA can also eliminate or restrict the sale of a supplement, but only after it has been on the market and proven to be unsafe or mislabeled. Another concern with regard to supplements is that the evidence is often contradictory or insufficient. They can be expensive and, if taken in excess, can have negative side effects or even result in an athlete being banned from participating in an event. Before taking a supplement, talk to your healthcare provider first.
An alternative to taking some of these supplements can be found in food. Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are branched-chain amino acids found in protein-rich foods, such as chicken, fish, beef, tofu, eggs, and dairy products. BCAAs are commonly taken to promote muscle growth, increase fat loss, delay fatigue, and boost the immune system. While these amino acids are considered essential, studies have been conflicting about the efficacy of taking BCAAs as supplements for athletic performance.
Chromium, a mineral found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, plays a role in how the body uses glucose. When athletes take it as a supplement, it's used as an aid to lose weight or to help convert fat to muscle, but there isn't enough evidence to support these claims. When taken as a supplement, it can cause oxidative damage or interfere with iron in the body. Therefore, chromium supplementation is not recommended.
Creatine, found in food sources such as meat and fish, is also naturally produced in our muscles for energy production. While research suggests that creatine may improve athletic performance during short periods of activity by increasing strength and power, results vary from person to person and sporting event. Foods and dietary supplements have been used to improve health and athletic performance (ergogenics) since the first Olympic Games. The regulatory issues associated with the use of dietary supplements are complex, challenging, and constantly evolving on many levels.
The FDA regulates dietary supplements according to a different set of rules than those that regulate conventional foods and drugs. Help athletic coaches promote the “food first” philosophy to support health and performance, understand federal and sports governing body rules and regulations regarding dietary supplements and banned substances, and become familiar with reliable resources for evaluating the safety, purity, and efficacy of dietary supplements. The ingredients and packaging of foods and dietary supplements are controlled by the FDA with the guidance provided in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and this resource is available as the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFR). As mentioned above in the “Dietary Supplement Regulations” section, many professional sports organizations have adopted the NSF Certified for Sport designation to ensure product quality and purity.
Athletes who participate in sports at various levels of competition may use supplements or other ergogenic aids in an attempt to improve health42,43 or performance44 (or both). Many ergogenic supplements only have anecdotal or manufacturer claims of effectiveness, and determining whether there is adequate scientific evidence to support these claims is often the responsibility of the health professional. Information for consumers about the use of dietary supplements Includes updates for consumers, information from other agencies, and other educational materials for users of dietary supplements. Like many professional organizations, the NFHS issues position statements on sports medicine, supplements, ergogenic aids, anabolic steroids, the use of energy drinks, and hydration.
The Code provides a framework for anti-doping policies and the rules and regulations for sports organizations and public authorities to level the global playing field. While the governing bodies of each sport or organization regulate the use of supplements among their athletes, international and federal websites (Appendix) provide education and guidance that athletes and health professionals may find useful. The term dietary supplement represents a wide spectrum of products, including some fortified whole foods, herbal products and ergogenic aids, and products designed to improve work or performance. .
