CHICAGO, IL – July 17, 2023 – In a recent article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open, many sports supplements containing botanical ingredients for improving sports performance may not be accurately labeled and may contain drugs prohibited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The study looked at supplements that were purported to contain newer botanical additives with 1 of 5 targeted elements on their labels. Each of the tested sports supplements had been purchased online and without a prescription. A total of 57 products were analyzed. Upon analysis, 40% of the products, 23 of 57 supplements, did not contain the ingredient that they were supposed to contain. 12%, 7 of the 57, contained at least 1 FDA-prohibited ingredient. 89% of the products did not accurately list the ingredients on the label or have the correct concentrations. A botanical ingredient originates from plants and is valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties.
Sports supplements can contain ingredients that are harmful to your health. One medical study estimated that 20,000 people had to visit the emergency room in a year due to side effects from nutritional supplements. Supplements can be contaminated with unauthorized stimulants, heavy metals, or pharmaceuticals.
The lead author, Dr. Pieter Cohen, who is affiliated with Harvard Medical School, said “Industry is reckless with consumer health.”
Sports supplements are considered a dietary additive. The FDA does not have to approve any dietary supplements in order to be sold to the general public. However, the manufacturers have to follow the FDA’s recommended good manufacturing practices to ensure a product’s quality and safety.
Sports supplements are powders, pills, or drinks that are used to build muscle, promote weight loss or improve endurance in order to boost athletic performance. However, medical research shows that only a few are beneficial for athletes. Sometimes, they may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label.
Here are some common sports supplements that were not included in this study:
- Creatine. This substance is made in the body and can help make energy for muscle contractions. It aids in sprinting and powerlifting.
- Amino acid supplements. They are the building blocks of proteins that can help build muscle.
- Protein supplements. They include casein and whey, found in dairy products. Protein is an important in building muscle.
- It stimulates the activity of the brain and the nervous system. It is touted to enhance sports performance.
Eating a healthy diet, correct sports training, getting a good night’s sleep, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are the best ways to improve sports performance. Most nutritional supplements have not been proven to make you a better athlete. The ingredients may not be accurately listed on label and some may be harmful to your health.
The lead author of the study recommends that if you chose to use sports supplements that they are certified by U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). USP is an independent nonprofit organization that helps protect patient safety and improves their health. It sets standards for dietary supplements, medicines, and food. NSF is an independent non-government organization that was created to protect human health. It sets product standards and tests and certifies that products are safe.
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Contact: Dr. Dick Needleman, Health reporter, 103.3 AshevilleFM, [email protected]
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