|
ATHLETIC Supplements: Their Not-SO Subtle Side Effects
The “Andro Complex” by Powerstar contains 100 milligrams of
“Androstenedione”, an ISO banned substance.
Limited studies suggest that “Androstenedione” causes enlarged breasts,
cancer and heart disease more than it promotes additional muscle mass. The
safety and quality of the product are unregulated. However, the FTC forces
sellers to disclose potential risks.
While so-called “performance enhancing drugs” are forbidden, there are no
rules on the books applying to marijuana. The National football League pays
over $100 million dollars a year toward rehabiliations caused by behavioral problems exacerbated
by illegal substances. Role modeling drug-use supports an unhealthy, immoral
and false belief that it’s the only way to play.
Are record breakers drug takers? Seemingly larger-than-life athletic
accomplishments have met with positive drug test results.
Players who consume drug sport-cocktails are misleading impressionistic
youthful fans who regard performance with winning at any health cost.
The ephedrine in Sudafed gives some
players an energy boost; it’s also known to cause heart attacks, strokes and
seizures. Athletes beware of self-medication; the most innocuous supplements
in combination with each other can cause risky side effects.
How far should drug compliance go? Currently the FDA doesn’t have authority to prohibit suspected dangerous
formulated supplements or “natural” supplements.
Risky products are reaching targeted groups such as athletes, dieters, the
aging population and “natural” supplement users. Drug consumption
including amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana and hallucinogens is up among NCAA
athletes.
Using on any athletic level should carry the toughest recriminations.
The good news is that the NCAA foundation and “Athletes Against Drugs” are
working to eliminate drug use. Reform is needed with tougher sanctions,
drug-testing programs, reeducation, development of character building
programs, support from sporting good manufacturers, sponsors and leagues.
Drug use carries with it the real danger of death or severe life time side
effects — too high a price for one lifetime performance.
Users looking like winners send a message to up-and-coming athletes that
using is the only way to enhance your game. Using denigrates the purpose of
sports: character building, confidence building and skill building. If you
believe athletics should foster moral constructive attributes that make a
life worthwhile, on or off the playing field, than help send out the message.
“Users are losers."
Back Home
|
