Are Supplements necessary for my student-athlete?
By Pamela Rand, R.D., LDN, CDOE
Food is the ideal source of vitamins and minerals. No scientific evidence
supports the general use of nutritional supplements for improved athletic
performance in school aged children. All nutrients can be easily be obtained by
eating a variety of foods on a regular basis. A multivitamin and mineral
supplement containing 100% of the RDA's may be used as a safety net for children
who don't generally get a variety of foods in their diets. There is no
scientific evidence that taking a vitamin or mineral supplement will improve
athletic performance unless a prior deficiency exists. It is best to provide
your student athlete with a variety of wholesome foods for optimum mental and
physical health. Highly processed foods like fast foods or pre-prepared snacks
and meals contribute calories for energy but usually fail in the fiber and
micronutrient arenas. The food guide pyramid may be used as tool in planning
your student-athlete's daily diet.
Older student-athletes, coaches and parents are frequently bombarded with
sensational information suggesting that dietary supplements, also referred to as
nutritional ergogenic aids, will improve performance above and beyond normal.
Creatine is currently a very popular ergogenic aid, especially in the gym. The
available studies report conflicting information regarding improved performance.
Furthermore, the studies are only on adults and lasting for 12 weeks or less.
Student-athletes are not fully grown and may very well be jeopardizing their
long-term health for less than questionable results. Amino acid supplements are
another supplement that is not recommended due to the increased potential for
dehydration. Muscles need to be adequately hydrated for optimum strength,
endurance and coordination. Being dehydrated carries a life threatening risk of
heat stroke.
Androstenedione is another ergogenic aid that manufacturers claim
to be safe, however, there is absolutely no objective data to support this
claim. Supplement companies do not have to prove the safety or effectiveness of
any product before it reaches the open market. Words like natural and safe may
lead people to believe that the product will not carry any health risks. The
supplement industry is not regulated by any government agency at this time.
Many athletic agencies such as, National Collegiate Athletic
Association(NCAA)
and the International Olympic Committee(IOC) ban the use of ergogenic aids and
may disqualify an athlete if they test positive for something as readily
available as cold medicine, which contains caffeine.
Discussion of supplement use with athletes, coaches and parents can be very
confusing and emotional due to the immediate need for the best possible athletic
performance. Energy, protein and vitamin-mineral needs are most safely achieved
through a complete whole foods diet. At this time the risk of using ergogenic
aids for the school aged child far outweighs the possible benefits.
