Dietary Supplements

For centuries, herbs were used by ancient civilizations in China, Middle East, India, Greece, and Rome as a remedy for appetite, energy, sleeping aids, physical and mental illness, and memory, etc. Herbal remedies were derived from plants, animal or mineral sources. In the United States, herbal remedies were handed down through generations from American Indians and European settlers. From cod liver oil for vitamin D and bone health; ginger for nausea; or chamomile tea for indigestion or as a sleep aid.  Individuals shared herbal therapies passed down from one generation to the next.

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA, 1994) does not require full reporting on adverse dietary supplement reactions. Such reporting by manufacturers is still voluntary. Therefore, there is a possibly of manufacturer inconsistencies in reporting adverse dietary supplement reactions in a timely manner.

Scientific information supporting claims regarding a supplement’s benefits are growing. Organizations making health claims as “proven, university tested, studies prove, etc.” must provide the research information necessary to support the claim including study design, and peer review. 

Manufacturers have the option to test their product using science-based independent public health organizations, such as the US Pharmacopeia or Consumer Lab. Both organizations utilize a scientific approach as a verification program to authenticate herbal ingredients.  Prior to purchasing a dietary herbal supplement, check the label for ingredients and USP or consumer lab seal for verification.

Are you interested in herbal supplements? From retail, drug store, or grocery store chains, you can find a variety of herbal supplements. The average consumer is interested in herbal supplements for improved immune system, increase metabolism and weight loss, stamina, and exercise recovery. Unfortunately, all supplements are not created equal. It is a common misconception that the average consumer understands what exactly is the product composition, purity, and recommended dosage for effective use. Prior to purchasing, the consumer needs to investigate the product and product ingredients.

Dietary Supplements in Sports Beverages

After a physically demanding workout, replenishing your body with fluid and rejuvenating herbal beverage sounds like the solution to recharge your energy systems. The consumer market provides a plethora of energy drinks on the shelves. But choosing the right energy drink can be a challenge. A variety of dietary supplements are found in energy fruit drinks, sports beverages, and sports bars. Herbal supplements such as yerbe matte, guarana, and ginseng have effects similar as caffeine. Caffeine is known for its stimulating effect on the central nervous system. As a result, an individual experiences improved alertness, concentration, and energy level. These results also carry physiological implications which include elevated heart rate and blood pressure, excessive urination, nervousness, insomnia and tremors.

When replenishing your thirst, consider the following items for herbal beverage selection:

1.)    Review the product label. If nutrition or supplement facts are missing, do not purchase the product. Product identity is questionable.

2.)    If you are currently taking prescribed medications, avoid the herbal beverage. Herbals can interact with medications and create a life threatening herbal-medication interaction.

3.)    For NCAA athletes, you need to know if herbal ingredients are permissible by NCAA standards, http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/ed_outreach/health-safety/drug_testing/banned_drug_classes.pdf

4.)    Avoid products with multiple claims, e.g. fat burner, power source, etc. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is…

5.)    Stick to the basics: Drink at least 17-20 oz. fluid 2-3 hours prior to exercise; 7-10 oz. fluid 10-20 minutes prior to exercise; 7-10 oz. fluid every 10-20 minutes of exercise. Post exercise-for every pound lost, replace with 16-24 oz. fluid for rehydration.

Energy drinks are not necessarily bad for your health; but, really are not a “natural energy booster”.  The energy boost comes from caffeine or herbal ingredients. Some of the claims made by manufacturers of energy drinks — such as "improves performance and increases concentration" — can be misleading. Also, it is important to note various sugars used in an energy drink can briefly increase energy; however, consuming large quantities can cause weight gain.

For the recreational and competitive athlete, food, rest, and adequate fluids are the key ingredients for optimal sports performance. Energy beverages should provide beneficial not negative effects on the body. Before you purchase an energy drink, here are a few points to consider:

1.)    Is there anything in your diet you need to improve, etc. food, fluids?

2.)    Does the energy beverage display nutrition facts or supplement label on the product? If not, then consider another option such as fruit juice, water, Gatorade, Propel, Powerade or Powerade Option.

3.)    What does the energy beverage advertise? Are there any research studies supporting advertising claim, e.g. “improves performance, mental acuity, or enhances rapid rehydration”?

4.)    If you take a prescription medication, avoid the herbal energy beverage due to a potential adverse medication reaction.

Product Guide for Sports Beverage Selections:

*www.cspinet.org/nah/caffeine/caffeine_corner.htm

*www.coca-cola.com

*www.smoothieking.com

Herbal Supplement Definition:

*Guarana: a dried paste made from the woody vine or shrub native to Brazil

*Yerbe Matte: dried leaves from an evergreen tree in the holly family native to BrazilParaguayArgentina

*Ginseng: (Panax Ginseng) root North America

*Siberian Ginseng: root plant grown in eastern RussiaChinaKoreaJapan

Supplement References:

*Margolis, S. The Complete Guide To Herbal Medicines. Pocket Books, N.Y. 2000.

Sarubin, A. The Health Professional’s Guide to Popular Dietary Supplements. American Dietetic Association, Chicago, Illinois

A Field Guide to Herbal Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplement Information Bureau. 2006

United States Pharmacopeia,  http://www.usp.org/aboutUSP/

American Botanical Council, http://www.herbalgram.org/

11/15/06