Safety of dietary supplements for athletes: what to consider
I. Overview of dietary supplements and their prevalence in sports
Sports of the highest achievements and even amateur sport, aimed at improving the results, is often associated with the use of various additional funds. Among them, a special place is occupied by biologically active additives (dietary supplements). Bades are defined as the concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances intended for direct intake with food or introduction into food products in order to enrich the diet with individual food substances or complexes of biologically active substances. Their use in sports is due to the desire to improve physical indicators, accelerate restoration, increase endurance and strengthen health in conditions of intense training.
The prevalence of dietary supplements among athletes is extremely high. Studies show that a significant part of professional athletes and lovers regularly use various types of additives. The reasons for this wide distribution are diverse and include:
- The desire to improve results: Athletes often look for any means that can give them an advantage over competitors, even a small one.
- Advertising and marketing: Aggressive dietary supplement advertising promises incredible results and convinces consumers of their effectiveness.
- The influence of peers and coaches: The recommendations of other athletes and even coaches can become a decisive factor when choosing a dietary supplement.
- Accessibility: Bades are widely available in pharmacies, specialized stores and online stores, which makes them easily accessible to consumers.
- Faith in safety: Many athletes mistakenly believe that dietary supplements, unlike drugs, are absolutely safe, as they are “natural”.
However, despite the widespread, safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements for athletes remain the subject of discussions. Not all dietary supplements are equally safe, and some of them can pose a serious threat to health, especially if you use it incorrectly or interacting with other drugs. It is important to understand that the dietary supplement market is less regulated than the drug market, which creates opportunities for unscrupulous manufacturers.
II. Regulatory regulation of dietary supplements: differences between countries
The regulation of dietary supplements differs significantly in different countries, which creates certain difficulties for athletes, especially acting at the international level. In some countries, dietary supplements are subject to strict verification and control similar to drugs, while in other countries the regulation is minimal or absent at all.
- USA: In the United States, dietary supplements are regulated by the Office for the quality of food and drugs (FDA) in accordance with the Law on Food Addles, Health and Education (DSHEA) of 1994. DShea establishes that dietary supplements do not require preliminary approval of FDA before admission to sale. However, manufacturers are required to guarantee that their products are safe and corresponds to the indicated characteristics. FDA can only intervene after the dietary supplement hit the market and is a health hazard.
- European Union: In the EU, dietary supplements are regulated by a directive of 2002/46/EC, which establishes general requirements for the composition and labeling of dietary supplements. However, each EU member country has the right to establish its own national rules regarding maximum doses of vitamins and minerals, as well as allowed ingredients.
- Canada: In Canada, Bada is regulated by the Ministry of Health of Canada (Health Canada) in accordance with the rules on natural health products (NHPR). Manufacturers are required to receive a license for their products before sale and provide evidence of its safety and efficiency.
- Australia: In Australia, dietary supplements are regulated by the management of therapeutic goods (TGA) in accordance with the 1989 law on therapeutic goods. Bades are classified as low risk goods and are subject to less strict control than drugs. However, TGA has the right to intervene if it discovers that dietary supplement is a health hazard.
- Russia: In Russia, dietary supplements are regulated by the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor). Bades are subject to state registration, which includes a check of their safety and compliance with sanitary and epidemiological norms.
Differences in regulation between countries can lead to the fact that a dietary supplement legally sold in one country can be prohibited or contain prohibited substances in another. This creates risks for athletes, especially when buying dietary supplements abroad or via the Internet. It is important to carefully study the legislation of the country in which dietary supplements are acquired, and make sure that it meets the requirements of anti -doping organizations.
III. Risks associated with the use of dietary supplements: from unintentional doping to side effects
The use of dietary supplements is associated with a number of risks that need to be taken into account by athletes. These risks can be divided into several categories:
- Unintentional doping: This is one of the most serious risks associated with the use of dietary supplements. Many dietary supplements contain prohibited substances that are not indicated on the label. This can happen due to pollution of raw materials, the use of unaccounted ingredients or the dishonesty of manufacturers. The athlete who uses such a dietary supplement can be convicted of doping, without even suspecting it.
- Lack of proven effectiveness: Many dietary supplements are advertised as tools that improve sports results, but their effectiveness is not confirmed by scientific research. The athlete can spend money on dietary supplements, which does not bring any benefit, and in some cases even harms health.
- Side effects: Some dietary supplements can cause side effects, such as digestive disorders, allergic reactions, increasing blood pressure, heart rhythm and other health problems. The risk of side effects increases with the use of high doses of dietary supplements or while taking several additives.
- Interaction with drugs: Bades can interact with drugs by changing their effect or enhancing side effects. This is especially dangerous for athletes taking medications for medical reasons.
- Incorrect marking: Information on the Bad label may be inaccurate or incomplete. This may complicate the choice of a safe and effective product.
- Low product quality: Bades can be produced using poor -quality raw materials or with a violation of production technology. This can lead to a decrease in efficiency or even to pollution of the product by harmful substances.
- Toxicity: Some dietary supplements contain toxic substances that can harm health with prolonged or excessive use.
It is especially important to consider the risk of unintentional doping. Studies show that a significant number of dietary supplements sold in the market contain prohibited substances. These substances can be anabolic steroids, stimulants, diuretics or other prohibited drugs. An athlete who uses dietary supplements containing a prohibited substance can be disqualified and lost the opportunity to participate in competitions.
IV. Categories of dietary supplements representing the greatest risk to athletes
Not all dietary supplements are equally dangerous. Some categories of additives are more risk to athletes than others. These include:
- Progormones and anabolic steroids: These substances are designed to increase muscle mass and strength. They are prohibited by most anti-doping organizations and can cause serious side effects, such as liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, hormonal disorders and other health problems. Progormones are often sold as “natural” alternatives to anabolic steroids, but in fact they are their predecessors and have a similar effect on the body.
- Stimulants: Stimulants, such as ephedrine, Sinefrin and DMAA (geranium), are used to increase energy, improve concentration and reduce appetite. They can cause side effects, such as increasing blood pressure, heart rhythm, anxiety, insomnia and other health problems. Some stimulants are prohibited by anti -doping organizations.
- Diuretics: Diuretics are used to reduce weight and mask doping. They can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, renal failure and other serious health problems. Diuretics are prohibited by anti -doping organizations.
- Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMS): SARMS is a class of drugs that have an effect similar to anabolic steroids, but with fewer side effects. However, SARMS are still experimental drugs, and their long -term health consequences are unknown. They are prohibited by anti -doping organizations.
- Peptide hormones and growth factors: These substances are used to stimulate muscle growth and accelerate recovery. They can cause side effects, such as acromegaly, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other health problems. Peptide hormones and growth factors are prohibited by anti -doping organizations.
- Plant additives: Some plant additives, such as Yochimbin and Tertrix Tribulus, are advertised as products that increase testosterone levels and improve sports results. However, their effectiveness is not confirmed by scientific research, and they can cause side effects. Some plant additives contain prohibited substances.
It is important to remember that even “natural” dietary supplements can be dangerous. Before using any additive, it is necessary to carefully study its composition and make sure of its safety.
V. Criteria for choosing safe dietary supplements: certification, manufacturer’s reputation, testing by third -party laboratories
To reduce the risk of using low -quality and dangerous dietary supplements, athletes should adhere to the following criteria when choosing additives:
- Certification: Look for dietary supplements certified by independent organizations that test products for compliance with the declared composition, lack of prohibited substances and security. Such organizations include NSF International, Informed-Sport, Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG) and USP. The presence of a certificate does not guarantee 100% safety, but significantly reduces the risk of using a poor -quality product.
- Reputation manufacturer: Choose dietary supplements from famous and respected manufacturers who have a good reputation in the industry. Study reviews about the manufacturer and its products on the Internet. Avoid products from unknown or dubious manufacturers.
- Testing by third -party laboratories: Find out if the manufacturer is testing his products in third -party laboratories. This allows you to verify in an independent check of quality and safety of Bad. Look for information about the test results on the manufacturer’s website or in other sources.
- Composition: Carefully study the composition of the dietary supplement. Make sure that it does not have prohibited substances or ingredients that cause an allergy or other undesirable reactions. Pay attention to the dosage of the ingredients.
- Output form: Choose dietary supplements in a form that is convenient for you. The most common forms of release are tablets, capsules, powders and liquids.
- Price: Do not chase at the lowest price. High -quality dietary supplements are usually more expensive than cheap analogues. Low price may indicate low products.
- Consultation with a specialist: Before using any dietary supplement, it is recommended to consult a doctor or a sports nutritionist. A specialist will help you choose the right dietary supplement, given your individual needs and health status.
It is important to remember that even if all these criteria is observed, the risk remains. Therefore, it is recommended, if possible, to avoid the use of dietary supplements or to choose only those that are really necessary to achieve sports goals.
VI. Alternative ways to improve sports results without the use of dietary supplements
Instead of relying on dietary supplements to improve sports results, athletes should focus on verified and safe methods, such as:
- Proper nutrition: A balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals is the basis for achieving sports success. It is important to use a sufficient amount of calories and nutrients to provide the body with energy and building materials for the restoration and growth of muscles.
- Adequate rest and restoration: A sufficient sleep (7-9 hours a day) and regular weekends are necessary to restore the body after training. It is also important to pay attention to active restoration, such as light exercises, massage and stretching.
- Correct training program: An individually developed training program, taking into account the level of training, goals and characteristics of the body, is the key to progress in sports. It is important to work with a qualified trainer who will help to draw up an effective and safe training program.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can negatively affect sports results and health. It is important to learn how to control stress using various techniques, such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and other relaxation methods.
- Hydration: Maintaining the optimal level of hydration is necessary for the normal functioning of the body and achieve maximum sports results. It is important to drink enough water during the day, especially during and after training.
- Psychological training: Self -confidence, motivation and ability to cope with pressure are important factors of success in sports. Work with a psychologist can help the athlete develop these qualities and improve his results.
These methods are not only safe, but also more effective in the long term than the use of dietary supplements. They allow you to create a strong basis to achieve sports goals and maintain health.
VII. Anti -doping rules and responsibility of athletes
Athletes should be aware of the anti -doping rules and bear responsibility for everything that enters their body. Ignorance of the rules does not exempt from liability. It is important to remember the following:
- List of prohibited substances: The World Anti -Doping Agency (WADA) annually publishes a list of prohibited substances, which includes a wide range of drugs and methods prohibited in sports. Athletes are required to get acquainted with this list and make sure that any drugs and additives they take do not contain prohibited substances.
- The principle of strict responsibility: According to anti -doping rules, the athlete is strict responsibility for any prohibited substance found in his body, regardless of how it got there. This means that the athlete can be disqualified, even if he did not know that he was taking the prohibited substance.
- Checking medicines and dietary supplements: Before using any drug or dietary supplement, it is necessary to make sure that it does not contain prohibited substances. There are special services and databases that allow you to check the composition of the drug for prohibited ingredients.
- Information of the doctor: When contacting a doctor, it is necessary to inform him of his sports activities and ask to prescribe only those drugs that do not contain prohibited substances.
- Declaration on the use of prohibited substances (therapeutic use): In some cases, an athlete may be required to take prohibited substance for medical reasons. In this case, it is necessary to obtain permission for therapeutic use (TUE) from the anti -doping organization.
- Consequences violations of anti -doping manifest: Violation of anti -doping rules can lead to serious consequences, such as disqualification, cancellation of results, deprivation of medals and other sanctions.
Compliance with anti -doping rules is not only an athlete’s duty, but also a guarantee of honest and clean sports.
VIII. Legal aspects: responsibility of manufacturers and sellers of dals
Manufacturers and sellers of dietary supplements bear legal responsibility for the safety and quality of their products. However, it is not easy to hold them accountable.
- Responsibility for product quality: Manufacturers are required to guarantee that their products correspond to the declared composition and are safe for use. They should test raw materials and finished products, as well as comply with the requirements for the production and storage of dietary supplements.
- Responsibility for labeling: Manufacturers are required to provide reliable information about the composition, dosage and contraindications of dietary supplements on the label. They should not mislead consumers regarding the properties and effectiveness of their products.
- Responsibility for damage caused by health: If dietary supplements have caused harm to the health of the consumer, the manufacturer can be held accountable for harm to health. In this case, the consumer has the right to compensation for damage, including treatment costs, lost benefits and moral damage.
- The difficulties of holding accountable: It is not easy to bring manufacturers and sellers of dietary supplements and sellers of dietary supplements due to the difficulties of proving a causal relationship between dietary supplements and causing harm to health. In addition, many dietary supplements are registered in offshore zones, which complicates their search and prosecution.
Athletes affected by the use of poor -quality or dangerous dietary supplements are recommended to contact a lawyer to consult and protect their rights.
IX. Future in the field of dietary supplements for athletes: a personalized approach and new technologies
In the future, we can expect the development of the following trends in the field of dietary supplements for athletes:
- Personalized approach: Bades will be developed taking into account the individual needs and genetic characteristics of the athlete. This will increase the efficiency and safety of additives.
- New technologies: New technologies, such as nanotechnology and bioenginery, will be used to create more effective and safe dietary supplements.
- Strengthening control: State bodies and anti -doping organizations will strengthen control over the production and sale of dietary supplements in order to protect athletes from using poor -quality and dangerous products.
- Development of scientific research: More large -scale and high -quality scientific studies will be conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements.
- Information of athletes: Athletes will receive more information about the risks and advantages of using dietary supplements, which will allow them to make conscious decisions.
These trends are aimed at improving the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements for athletes and creating conditions for honest and clean sports.
X. Practical recommendations for athletes on the safe use of dietary supplements
In conclusion, here are some practical recommendations for athletes on the safe use of dietary supplements:
- Get advice from a specialist: Before using any dietary supplement, consult a doctor or sports nutritionist.
- Learn the information: Carefully study the composition, dosage and contraindications of dietary supplements.
- Choose certified products: Buy dietary supplements certified by independent organizations.
- Buy from reliable manufacturers: Choose products from famous and respected manufacturers.
- Avoid dubious products: Do not buy dietary supplements at a too low price or from unknown sellers.
- Check the composition for the presence of prohibited substances: Make sure the dietary supplement does not contain prohibited substances.
- Observe the dosage: Do not exceed the recommended dosage of dietary supplements.
- Follow your condition: Carefully follow your condition and stop using dietary supplements when any side effects appear.
- Tell the doctor about the admission of dietary supplements: When contacting a doctor, inform him of all the dietary supplements you take.
- Remember alternative ways: Focus on proper nutrition, adequate rest and training, and not at dietary supplements.
Following these recommendations, athletes can reduce the risk of using low -quality and dangerous dietary supplements and protect their health.