NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY STRENGTH & CONDITIONING PROGRAM
NUTRITION: Check out the nutritional information from
various fast food restaurants at the following web sites.
NSU SUPPLEMENTATION: FACT OR FALLACY
Northern State University does not accept "testimonials" by another athlete/University as reason to endorse or exploit any training protocols or products.
In addition, with the passage of The Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act of 1994, dietary supplements are no longer suitably regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This legislation was lobbied for and endorsed by the dietary supplement industry. As a result, dietary supplements are no longer classified as a food. As such, they can make whatever claims they want and are not required to prove value and/or safety. Also, product-labeling requirements are vague and deceptive. Consequently, product quality is suspect at best. It's a buyer's beware market where the responsibility for proof of efficacy is put on the consumer rather than the manufacturer. Thus, it is professionally incriminating/negligent for a coach to recommend an athlete consume any dietary supplement when one cannot be unquestionably assured of what they are investing in and what they are ingesting.
WE KNOW WE CAN!
The decision to ingest dietary supplements falls on your shoulders. However, we all should have the facts before we make any decisions. It’s straight forward, and you will probably learn some things you didn’t know – like the fact that dietary supplements don’t work the way manufacturers claim they do. Dietary supplements are not tested by any governmental agency (FDA) to see if they work or if they are pure and safe. So it’s your decision. This booklet is made with the purpose in mind to understand the facts of dietary supplements and to help your decision process before consuming any.
Your desire to look, feel or perform at a higher level makes you a target for the dietary supplement industry. Every year student-athletes spend billions of dollars to:
Today we are bombarded with magazines, Internet, television and supplement agents/stores with messages and pictures trying to get you to believe that their product is a miraculous source for better looks and/or performance. In many cases, the “spokesmen” are former athletes or bodybuilders who have been paid to say they use the products. There is no law that says the “spokesmen” or whoever is representing the product has to use the product. Supplement manufactures have paid millions of dollars in settlements for their misleading advertising.
Are there supplements that work?
The honest answer is yes, but not most and only to a small degree.
Dietary supplements don’t work the way you think they do. It’s not against the law to say a supplement works when in fact it doesn’t. Many companies are making billions of dollars by saying their product will make you a better athlete or better looking. It’s a multi-billion dollar business. Don’t waste your time and money on something that doesn’t work. Not to mention, the supplements that do work – only do a fraction of what they claim to do. Here are some facts:
Many athletes have no idea what the supplement does (or even claims to do), but they ingest it anyway.
Supplement studies are often done on animals, not humans.
The insignificant gains in sports performance observed in laboratory studies of dietary supplements will not enhance performance on your playing surface.
Studies show that most coaches know less about dietary supplements than their athletes do!
What health problems can dietary supplements trigger?
Dietary supplements do not have to be tested for safety before they are sold to you. A product that is labeled “natural” or “approved” or “follows NCAA guidelines” does not mean it is safe to consume.
Here is a list of negative effects that have been reported after the usage of dietary supplements. Any or all of these could hit you at any time from day to day or even many months after consuming a dietary supplement.
Athletes consuming dietary supplements often will complain to their athletic trainers, coaches or doctors that they “don’t feel normal” without even realizing that their dietary supplements could be the cause. Is there a dietary supplement that works so well that you would put your health at risk? I didn’t think so!
Are there additional reasons to avoid supplements?
So far you know dietary supplements do not need to be proven to be safe, effective or pure before they are sold to you. In addition, there are other factors you need to consider before consuming a dietary supplement.
Many dietary supplements contain substances banned by law or by your sports governing body (NCAA).
Your team, coach, school or organization probably has a rule against dietary supplements, if not they should strongly consider one.
Supplements are expensive. Food is cheaper and a better way to get the nutrition you need.
Some dietary supplements contain substances not listed on the product labels. These contaminates might cause a positive drug test.
People important to you might disapprove of your dietary supplement use. Your teammates might see you as cheating, your friends, parents, coaches, and others who care about you and your health will support your decision not to consume dietary supplements. All it takes is someone like you to stand up and say, “No, I can win without them”.
What are the best resources about dietary supplement use?
Your best resource might be right under your nose. Your coaches, trainers, sports medicine team or nutritionist probably knows more than you think.
Believe it or not, even your teammates or other friends know just as much or more than likely less than you do. Don’t make the mistake of ingesting dietary supplements without first hand visiting with a reliable professional. Sadly, often times it’s too late and athletes have died after consuming a dietary supplement. Don’t let it be you, next. Consult someone you trust before making a decision to use.
Here are some sources that cannot be trusted:
How can I win without consuming dietary supplements?
To start with, nothing beats the advantages you’ll gain from good eating habits and a planned diet, including plenty of water. Following a good eating plan is safe, simple and has proven time after time that it works.
Second, practice always makes perfect. Proper coaching followed by proper technique will overcome size and strength in many cases.
Third, let your muscles recover. They need time to rest and recoup from hard competitions or strength training sessions. Taking time off can be just as effective as the days your pushing your body to get better.
Last but not least, talk to your Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, or Certified Athletic Trainer, nutritionist or sports medicine team when you reach the point in your training when you need extra help to get to the next level.
Consuming dietary supplements is a decision that could negatively affect your life. Get the facts before you use!
 |
 |
Northern State University (located in Aberdeen, SD) is an NCAA Division II institution and a member of t
he Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
Text Only
