Looking for a quick way to be, well, quicker? You might want to steer away from those flashy natural supplements and super-natural shortcuts. New research from scientists in Europe cautions the athletes among us to exercise care when taking performance enhancing powders and pills.
A natural supplement isn’t any safer than an artificial one, according to the study. And ingredients can affect more than your health — when it comes to competing, athletes are held personally responsible for whatever substances they consume. In the event that something is found, and that it constitutes performance-enhancing doping, you’ll need more than a plea of ignorance to pass the test.
Scientists point out that it is common practice for some athletes to consume multiple supplements without regard for dosing recommendations or substance interactions. Nowadays, athletes’ use of legal supplements, including items like energy drinks and caffeine, is estimated to vary between 40% and 100%, depending on the sport and level of competition.
The safety standards for food ingredients and pharmaceutical products are so varied that athletes are advised to check that what’s in those natural substances is not only safe, but legal.
If athletes are intent on seasoning their training with a cocktail of performance-enhancing substances, researchers strongly recommend looping in a physician, ensuring that the only health consequences are those intended — like increased strength, speed or endurance — as opposed to those a little less sought after, like elevated blood pressure, heart failure, cardiac death and arrhythmias. After all, it’s hard to win a medal when you’re tied up in doctor appointments.