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RI Interscholastic League Campaign about Dangers of Supplements, Energy drinks, more…
Defining the Problem
Appearance and Performance Enhancing Substances, also known as performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), are substances used to improve any form of activity, performance and/or appearance in humans. These substances range from an array of medical disciplines and related fields, and are associated with numerous, potentially serious, physical and psychiatric side effects. While these substances have a long history in sport and competition, studies have found millions of teenagers are also turning to them with the idea that they will improve their physical appearance as well as athletic performance.
Some of the substances that fall under this category are things like anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), human growth hormone (hGH), research only drugs, dietary supplements and energy drinks.
Consuming Energy Drinks Can be Risky
There’s no legal limit to the amount of caffeine companies can put into energy drinks, and it’s been found that some contain up to six times as much caffeine as sodas. It’s important to recognize that the effects of caffeine are dose-dependent: the higher the dose, the more likely you are to get jitters, insomnia, irregular heartbeats, sweating, nervousness or seizures.
A typical energy drink with 100-200mg of caffeine is not the major concern. The concern lies with products that contain high levels of caffeine and multiple stimulants. Many products are combining caffeine with stimulants such as guarana seed, yohimbe and yerba mate. Some drinks also contain synephrine, which is on the banned substance list for many professional sporting agencies and the NCAA.
Combining high levels of caffeine with other stimulants may cause an electrical disturbance causing a life-threating arrhythmia (heart palpitations). As we’ve seen in several cases in teens and adults, it could potentially lead to cardiac arrest and eventually death. New research shows that consuming just one energy drink can affect blood vessel function.
Dietary Supplements
The dietary supplement industry is an ever-evolving, ever-growing industry. Roughly half of Americans report taking some form of vitamin or mineral supplement. But with the abundance of dietary and herbal supplements available, have you ever wondered if they actually contain what’s on the label? Or worse, that they may contain a harmful ingredient that’s not listed on the label?
What is a Supplement?
Like the name suggests, supplements are designed to “supplement†one’s diet with vitamins, minerals or nutrients you may not get from food. They’re not meant to replace our diet or become the primary source of nutrients. Supplements come in many forms, but if a product is officially considered a supplement, it will have a Supplement Facts panel (see below) on the container label.
Loosely Regulated Industry
The dietary supplement industry is very loosely regulated and by being so, supplement makers don’t have to scientifically prove the products they’re marketing are safe before consumption. Furthermore, and even more concerning, is they don’t have to prove their products contain what is on the label. Because of the weak regulations and a lack of policy, supplements are at risk to becoming contaminated or adulterated with harmful ingredients.
This poses a great risk for consumers and especially for collegiate, professional and Olympic athletes who are randomly tested for prohibited substances. If they test positive for a banned substance, an athlete can lose eligibility, receive hefty fines and suspension, or receive a lifetime ban from their respective sport depending on the number of times they test positive.
It’s estimated that up to 25% of dietary supplements on the market could contain banned substances or other illegal drugs.
To schedule a FREE OCC presentation at your school, email Brian Parker at:Â [email protected]
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