Dietary Supplement Performance Claims & Ergogenic Aids
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen Student Nutrition Investigators: In this module we are looking at dietary supplements and ergogenic aids that may boost physical performance. After reviewing chapter 11, the attached article (Ergogenic Aids: Breakthroughs, Gimmicks, or Dangers? from Sizer (2015). Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies, Cengage Learning), as well as the documents found here (A) https://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/Dietary%20Supplements%20Fact%20Sheet_0.pdf (Links to an external site.) , (B) Buell et al. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Evaluation of Dietary Supplements for Performance Nutrition. Journal of Athletic Training. 2013;48(1):124-136. (Links to an external site.), we will test the scientific legitimacy of dietary supplements making ‘performance enhancement’ claims. In chapter 7 (p. 181) we received some tips for DETERMINING THE VALIDITY OF A NUTRITIONAL CLAIM: 1. WHERE WAS THE STUDY PUBLISHED? As a rule, you should question nutrition claims that have not first been published in a peer-reviewed journal or other highly regarded publication. 2. WHO CONDUCTED THE STUDY? It is important that the individuals conducting the research are qualified and knowledgeable. 3. WHO PAID FOR THE RESEARCH? Researchers must take all necessary steps to ensure that their funding sources do not bias or influence the outcomes of their studies. 4. DID THE RESEARCHERS USE THE RIGHT DESIGN? Was the research conducted in a way that was appropriate to test the hypothesis? and do the conclusions fit the study design? 5. DO PUBLIC HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS CONCUR? Before believing a nutrition claim to be true, determine whether it is supported by major public health organizations (McGuire & Beerman, 2012 / 2017). Helpful Internet Resources to aid in Evaluation of a Dietary Supplement: ConsumerLab: consumerlab.com (Links to an external site.) Natural Products Encyclopedia by EBSCO available for subscribers National Library of Medicine database: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed (Links to an external site.) United States Pharmacopeia: usp.org (Links to an external site.) NSF certification: nsf.org (Links to an external site.) Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database: www.naturaldatabase.com – if you have a subscription (free for SCAN members, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetic’s practice group for sports nutritionists) Other helpful sites about dietary supplement legislation: Regulation of Dietary Supplements (Links to an external site.), FDA, Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, 1994. Feds Announce Sweeping Action Against Supplement Makers. (Links to an external site.)NBC News. November 18, 2015. Supplementing the game: A review of dietary supplements for college athletes. (Links to an external site.) NCAA, Sport Science Institute, Feb 10, 2015. Equipped with this knowledge, please use your favorite search engine (e.g., google) to identify a (one) dietary supplement that makes ‘performance enhancement’ claims. Identify the dietary supplement by name and provide a direct internet link where you found it — e.g., BLACK POWDER (http://mri-performance.com/products/black-powder/ (Links to an external site.) ) What does the dietary supplement claim to do? (e.g. ‘helps you to boost intensity, amplify nitric oxide, drive stamina) What are its ingredients and the proposed reason (if available)? (e.g, BLACK POWDER is “Spiked with ACTINOS2IR® for Up-Regulated NOS‡*, contains an ‘Arginine Blend for Size/Recovery*’, ”Creatine/Phosphate Blend for Strength*”, “CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine + Bicarbonates for Stamina*”, “B Vitamin/Mineral Blend for Muscle Energy*”, “Potent Blend for Sustained Intensity/Focus*”, and “Taurine for Insulin Sensitivity*”. The label is found at https://www.fitnessdealnews.com/mri-black-powder-pre-workout-review/ (Links to an external site.) ) What is the retail price and how much is needed to achieve purported results? an 800g tub of BLACK POWDER sells for $25 – $40, 1 serving is around 20g. Instructions: Mix 1 Scoop (20 g) in 8-16 oz of cold water thoroughly. Drink immediately. Use on training days only. For best results, take on an empty stomach 0-30 minutes before workout. Pick at least 2 (two) claims and conduct a ‘science check’ in MedLine or PubMed. For the BLACK POWDER example, investigate if current, peer-reviewed science supports that nitric oxide is involved with physical performance? Or does supplemental arginine promote muscle growth in athletes? Is taurine somehow related to insulin sensitivity, which could promote improved athletic performance? Provide at least 2 recent scientific journal articles from peer-reviewed journals (cited in APA format, preferably with direct web links) to help present your findings in this week’s discussion forum. Also, please don’t forget to include a statement about your assessment findings: do you think the research was convincing? Based on your research, would you take this supplement or recommend it to your friends and family? To help you get started, here some ergogenic aids to investigate for scientific legitimacy: A. SuperBeets https://www.neogenis.com/products/superbeets-canister/?gclid=CLGY1_3248kCFZRffgodexwM8Q (Links to an external site.) B. N.O. Fury http://www.puritan.com/six-star-brand-0978/ppsix-star-nitric-oxid60-cap-054628?scid=27834&cmp=gpl-_-054628&CAWELAID=520010730000016331 (Links to an external site.) C. NO3 Chrome http://www.puritan.com/cellucor-brand-0923/ppno3-chrome90-capcap-025524?scid=27834&cmp=gpl-_-025524&CAWELAID=520010730000023910 (Links to an external site.) D. BLACK POWDER http://mri-performance.com/products/black-powder/ (Links to an external site.) or any other supplement on the http://mri-performance.com/all-products/ (Links to an external site.) page E. supplements found on https://www.netnutri.com/sports-nutrition (Links to an external site.) or http://www.getrippednutrition.com/Muscle_Building_Products_s/58.htm (Links to an external site.) F. alternatively you may use any other dietary supplement making ‘performance claims’, such as found here http://classifieds.usatoday.com/blog/sports-recreation/herbal-supplements-for-athletes-that-improve-endurance/ (Links to an external site.)
