Danger in Supplements
Here in SE Wisconsin we have a fabulous week for getting out and getting moving. Temps in the 50's and 60's help eliminate excuses and keep folks walking, running, and biking outside - which we know is a huge boost for physical and mental health.
The focus of this article is nutritional supplements. Specifically, we are going to look at those which can be harmful. Information comes from an article in the November 2009 Issue of Men's Health entitled "The Hidden Dangers of Supplements" By Vanessa Gregory.
As a full- time professional in the sports performance and fitness industry I have seen countless supplements come and go. I have also been face to face with dozens of folks trying to convince me that if I just tried their Super Wonder Juice or Drink I could really run fast and that I should get my clients to take the stuff too because certainly they would loose weight at twice the rate and have my percentage of body fat within weeks. As a result, I have a great distrust of most supplements - especially those which claim to help the user lose weight or build muscle.
The article cited starts by introducing us to a 43 year -old man named Tyrone. This healthy individual is working with a team of Doctors who are trying to figure out why he has lost 34 lbs, has trouble sleeping, wasn't eating and was itchy all over. What finally came out was, other than food, the only thing Tyrone was ingesting was a supplement called Tren-Xtreme, an over-the-counter bodybuilding supplement which he bought at a strip mall. The supplement worked - he got stronger - however, then it started to kill him.
This supplement, which was marketed as a dietary supplement, is actually an untested drug, a powerful synthetic compound that is related to Testosterone. Tyrone was actually taking an anabolic steroid- the same testicular shrinking, acne causing stuff he was warned about.
Like many who buy supplements from stores and online suppliers, Tyrone thought it was safe. The $24 billion dollar per year supplement industry is anything but safe and regulated.
The reality is the FDA does not have any jurisdiction over a supplement's safety or efficacy. Pharmaceuticals are scrutinized by teams of people. Supplements are treated like food, with an after- the- fact scrutiny. Example: people get very ill and after the fact it is discovered that it was spinach with salmonella. The FDA is left with the task of policing an estimated 75,000 dietary supplements out there today.
What can you do to help ensure you or your child isn't gobbling something harmful? Read labels and do a little research into the ingredients. Also the FDA recommends searching for several peer- reviewed scientific studies (rather than the glossy one put out by the supplement company) and staying on the lookout for code works like "tren", "anabolic" or "stimulant."
What are some examples to stay away from?
- Hydroxycut - or other diet aids which contain a variety of stimulants which raise blood pressure, cause anxiety and can lead to stroke.
- Ginseng - yes I know people that swear by it and it's grown in Northern WI - however studies have never validated its claims of reduced stress and increased energy and immunity. Not harmful but not worth the $.
- Goji Powder and ACAI - claim to be a great source of antioxidants - however they are expensive ($1 to $40 a month (and you can get the same benefits from eating fruit on a regular basis))
What are some supplements worth taking?
Ø A multiple vitamin - to ensure you're covering the bases you might have missed by unbalanced eating.
Ø Fish Oil - lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, also has been shown to be a great anti-inflammatory.
Ø Calcium - to keep bones strong
Ø Whey Protein powder (without stimulants and additives- just pure whey protein in your favorite flavor) - this is a great idea for those individuals who are not meeting their daily requirement of protein due to eating on the fly at breakfast or choosing to avoid meat.
In closing - be wise and investigate ingredients and claims. Better yet, eat real food; lots of fruits and vegetables and a small amount of lean meat and move that body!
Dwight is the owner of Fitness and Sports Training. He is available for Personal Training, Sports Specific Training and Corporate Wellness programming at 262-719-7893 or through www.fastandyou.com
