Supplements Under Scrutiny Gatorade Sports Science Institute Conference Looks At How Nutrition Supplements Affect -- And Don't Affect -- The Body

CHICAGO, Jun 30, 1999 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Many recreational athletes are turning to nutrition supplements and pharmaceutical aids in the athletic community. Supplements such as creatine, ephedrine and androgens are used to improve performance or alter body composition beyond genetic limitations. However, the effectiveness and safety of many supplements and performance-enhancing drugs remains unclear. Moreover, there is question as to what role the government should play in regulating the sale of supplements.

Sports science experts addressed the subject of nutrition supplements, including the issue of government regulation, as part of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) Conference on "The Science & Practice of Sports Nutrition" held June 25-26 in Chicago.

According to Priscilla Clarkson, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist fromthe University of Massachusetts and a presenter at the conference, "Nutrition supplement users need to be aware that regulations for these supplements are not nearly as stringent as those governing foods and beverages.

"Many consumers believe that supplements sold over the counter have been proven effective and safe, however, the Food and Drug Administration doesnot require such proof before the supplement is marketed. The burden of proofof false claims falls on the government. There is no guarantee that a supplement being marketed is safe, contains what it says it contains, or is effective."

Mark Myhal, Ph.D., of The Ohio State University, said there is far too much emphasis placed on supplements and drugs by athletes today, and not enough on reaching performance and body composition goals through traditional means such as exercise and diet.

"It is important to remember that even with potent drugs such as anabolic steroids and ephedrine, and supplements such as creatine, increases in muscle mass or decreases in body fat will only occur when these agents are combined with a prudent diet and an aggressive exercise program in highly trained individuals," Myhal said.

Myhal insists that with young athletes, the emphasis should be on optimal training techniques, proper dietary intake, and the ethics and morals offair play instead of drugs and supplements. In addition, Myhal stresses thatwe must be careful not to directly or indirectly exaggerate either the side effects or the performance-enhancing effects of supplements or drugs andthat it's legitimate health-care practitioners that should be the primary disseminators of information to young people whether they're athletes or not.

If you're considering whether or not to use a supplement, Clarkson and Myhal recommend asking yourself the following six questions so you can carefully weigh your options: 1. What is known about this supplement? 2. Am I taking this supplement for personal enhancement or to achieve an edge in a competitive sport? 3. What specific benefits do I hope to derive from using this supplement? 4. Have I exhausted all traditional methods (diet and exercise) first? 5. Do I know the potential short and long-term effects? 6. Is it worth the potential risks to take this supplement?

"The effects of supplements and drugs last only as long as you take them, and you can't take them forever," Myhal stated. "Sooner or later, the carriage will turn back into a pumpkin. Can you handle that? If the answer is no, don't even consider taking performance enhancing supplements or drugs, or you'll be setting yourself up for big-time failure."

The annual Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) Conference, now inits 13th year, brings together internationally recognized experts to present the latest scientific and practical information on current issues in sports and exercise science. This year's conference was held in Chicago, June 25 and 26, and was attended by more than 500 sports science professionals. This GSSI conference marked the first time that both sports scientists and practitioners shared their knowledge and insights to interpret the science into practical recommendations for athletes.

The conference is made possible by GSSI, which was created in 1987 to support the advancement of sports-science research and to provide current sports-medicine information to sports-health professionals.

The following is an overview of the most popular nutrition supplements/drugs:

Nutritional Supplement Creatine A nutrient that is produced by the body at a rate of approximately 1g/day found in meat and fish. It is taken up by muscle, converted to phospocreatine and used at the rate of two grams per day.

Research Five grams of creatine in a solution raises plasma levels to that needed for maximal muscle uptake, and there's no need for more than 20 grams perday, as excess is lost in urine.

Pros Many lab studies indicate a positive creatine effect on short-term strenuous exercise. There are no scientific studies showing harmful effects at the studied doses.

Cons Only rarely does creatine improve performance of a single bout of exercise, and there's insufficient data for muscle mass effects. In the few field studies that exist, rarely is there a significant effect of creatine loading. There are anecdotal reports of stiffness or cramping.

Bottom Line "Most, but not all, studies show that creatine enhances the performance of repeated bouts of short, high-intensity exercise in most subjects," Clarkson said. "Creatine appears to be safe for short-term use, and may be safe for long-term use, but there are few scientific studies of long-term use."

Nutritional Supplement Ephedrine Stimulant derived from ephedra plant; used as an ingredient in diet pills, illegal recreation drugs and over-the-counter congestion and asthma medications; molecular structure similar to amphetamine.

Research Carefully controlled research on obese subjects found that ephedrine and ephedrine/caffeine combinations could lower body weight more than a placebo. The health risks of obesity are greater than the risks associated with these drugs. This is not the case for non-obese individuals.

Pros It may aid with fat-loss when combined with a proper diet and exerciseprogram.

Cons Common side-effects include insomnia and tremors. Less common side-effects include anxiety, irritability, headaches, nausea and hypertension. Several deaths are linked to ephedrine.

Bottom Line "Ephedrine is a drug," Clarkson said. "The combination of ephedrine, aspirin and caffeine is dangerous."

Nutritional Supplement Androstenedione ("Andro") Naturally occurring hormone body uses in tiny amounts to make the male hormone testosterone. Androstenedione supplements contain many times the amount of this hormone found in the body naturally.

Research In a recent study, androstenedione had no effect on testosterone levels in the blood, and no difference in strength could be found between groups of men who used it and those who didn't. Pros Some of those who use it say that it speeds recovery from minor injuries. Cons Long-term side-effects are currently unknown.

Bottom Line "Androstenedione has no effect on performance, and because it increases estrogen levels, it may decrease normal testosterone levels and have a negative effect on muscle mass," Myhal said.

Nutritional Supplement Phosphotidylserine ("PS") Phospholipid is derived from lecithin and is incorporated into the cell membrane which in part regulate certain aspects of cell function. PS is obtained from some food sources such as meat in small amounts (70-80 mg).

Research It is currently presumed safe at recommended doses of 400-800 milligrams per day. Long-term physiological effects are unknown.

Pros May increase the testosterone/cortisol ratio by reducing cortisol levels, thereby reducing cortisol's levels after exercise may reduce the rate of muscle tissue breakdown.

Cons It is unknown if high doses could reduce the body's cortisol production to levels that could result in adverse health effects.

Bottom Line "Keep doses at or below 800 mg/day, use intermittently and only on daysor periods when exercise intensity is very high, " Myhal said.