It is no surprise that ergogenic aids and supplements are very popular, as athletes are always looking for ways to improve their performance.  In fact, 76% of collegiate athletes use ergogenic aids to enhance their game.  Ergogenic is defined as any external means of improving energy production, utilization, or recovery.  Pharmacologic ergogenic aids are supplements or drugs generally taken orally or injected, while nutritional ergogenic aids are dietary components such as carbohydrate and protein supplemented to daily diet.

Ever wonder why there are so many new supplements coming out on the market?  Supplements no longer undergo the FDA approval process, which makes it easy for the manufacturer to put a new product on the shelf.  Although, this is good for the producer, the consumer is at a serious disadvantage.

It is important for the athlete to be aware that supplements are not regulated by a governing body, which in turn, causes a multitude of drawbacks to the athlete taking the supplement.  Athletes, who choose to take certain supplements, assume that the product will do what the label claims.  However, claims on product labels can be made without any outcomes data or scientific basis!  Not only this, but quality control standards do not need to be met, nor do the product contents need to match what the label reads.  For example, when twelve over-the-counter supplements were evaluated for product content, only one of them was accurate according to its label!  That means 92% of those supplements were labeled with misleading, inaccurate information!  Finally, safety and efficacy are not evaluated, potentially causing unwanted side effects.

Supplying adequate intake of carbohydrates and protein, and timing these to be efficiently used by the body, will provide safe and effective results.  However, if you do choose to use ergogenic aids, keep in mind the following:

o Natural and safe are not synonymous terms.
o “More is better” philosophy does not apply with most supplements; it only increases the risk for side effects.
o Disqualification would be unfortunate for taking a product that does not have evidence to support an ergogenic effect.
o There remain many unanswered questions concerning product safety, efficacy, and long-term consequences.
o Using many different supplements, or “stacking,” may create safety problems.
o The efficacy of supplements is contingent upon the underlying hydration, diet, and training.
o Supplements may interact with both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
o Ergogenic aids are not a substitute for food, fluid, or activity.
o Athletes who are already at the peak of physical ability and consume an optimal diet will, for the most part, realize little, if any, benefit from supplement use.

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