Thursday, November 24, 2011

LSU Food & Health Experts Offer Tips for a Healthy and Delicious Thanksgiving Meal

LSU Athletic Department's Registered Dietician Jamie Mascari was recently interviewed for a piece that ran on Louisiana State University's website. She was asked to discuss how student athletes, and others interested in eating well, handle the holiday season. Find out Jamie's tips and straegies that she suggests to maneuver holiday feasts without steering too far off your meal plans. To read the complete story, please click on the link below.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Supplement Contamination = Positive Drug Test


Athletes must be very cautious with any type of dietary supplement. Even though the ingredient label may not list any known banned substances, contamination with banned ingredients is still possible. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration does not regulate dietary supplements, which means the supplements’ manufacturers are the ones responsible for ensuring the ingredient list is correct, not the government. This has led to many problems with athletes and positive drug tests.

In the following NUTRAingredients.com article: CLICK HERE for the full article
2 athletes were tested positive for the substance DMAA, also known as: 1,3-dimethlyamylamine, dimethlyamylamine, dimethlypentylamine, forthan, forthane, floradrene, geranamine, geranium oil, and geranium flower extract. These athletes argued that the product they took was contaminated and the DMAA was not listed on the ingredient list.

It is extremely important to remember that not all supplement products are safe, even if they are sold over-the-counter and have an ingredient list that seems okay. Before buying or trying any supplement, be sure to check FIRST with Sr. Associate Athletic Trainer, Shelly Mullenix, Head Strength Coach, Tommy Moffitt, and/or Sports Dietitian, Jamie Mascari. Being SAFE is always better than being SORRY.