All college athletes, and some non-athlete students, have
the drive to become bigger, better, and stronger. Many people will do anything
to have bulging muscles and leaner bodies. Supplements are a broad category,
with many types and forms. They are taken to build stronger and bigger muscles,
as well as to burn fat to lose weight. Supplements have one definite thing in
common – all are drugs. The supplement industry seemingly provides a simple
solution to the common stress of becoming better: take a pill or add a scoop of
powder to your drink. However, this “easy” answer is not so safe.
Many supplements across the board are not approved by the
NCAA due to their ingredients and potential safety. Athletes nationwide can lose scholarships and
the ability to play because of unknowingly consuming a substance that happened
to be in a supplement. Not only are some supplements detrimental to one’s
athletic career, but also to overall health. Medications are sent to the liver
when consumed in the human body. Taking supplements puts more stress on the
liver, and can cause serious liver damage. Other side effects are possible,
which can be as serious as death. Consider who formulates and markets these
products. Some of the people who create supplements have had multiple criminal
lawsuits and charges against them because of unsafe products and results/side
effects from taking these medications. One designer of popular supplements
(discussed in this video) had to lie about his profession (he said he was a
construction worker) in order to purchase compounds he wanted to use for his
product. If this isn’t a red flag, nothing is.
Sometimes, supplements may be recommended for certain
situations. However, it is important to ensure that they are safe, effective,
and NCAA approved. If you are an athlete or even a typical student, consult
your sports dietitian, athletic trainer, or local RD to figure out what is safe
and best for you.
Blog post submitted by Penn State Dietetic Senior: Lauren Marucci
