The sports supplements industry is one of the largest industries in the world of sports, especially with respect to revenue. Athletes are often attracted to these supplements by the effective marketing approaches used by marketers to sell these products. In sports, every athlete seeks to stage the best performances to achieve different milestones through their sporting life. The availability of supplements that can enhance the performance of these athletes makes them seductively attractive for these individuals.  No one would miss an opportunity to improve their performance, irrespective of the risks that exist. However, there is a need to ensure that these supplements are regulated. The lack of regulations in the sports supplement industry could lead to increased risks for the athletes. Perhaps we need to have a more standard approach to the management of sports supplements.

By Gabriel I. Escalera

     First, it’s essential to first have a better understanding of what sports supplements are in the sporting industry.  Sports supplements are additional nutrients that individuals can add to their normal diets to improve their physical abilities to perform in physical activities. Active athletes often include supplements in their diets to achieve sufficient nutrition for optimal performance in sports. In addition, athletes also use supplements to compensate for nutritional deficiencies. Most importantly, there is a belief among athletes that supplements significantly improve their abilities, helping them achieve higher performance.

        Supplements play an important role in the diets of athletes. As the name suggests, these substances should be used in addition to the normal diet, as opposed to being replacements. There are supplements that have been developed based on scientific evidence. This means that there are supplements in the market that can be beneficial to the athletes who consume them. There are several benefits that athletes can draw from using these supplements. One of the most significant benefits is that they can legally improve the performance of athletes. Other than that, supplements can also be used to attain the required weight for a specific sport’s weight classes. Similarly, they can be effective in losing weight for a specific sport. Supplements can also be used by athletes to build muscles and improve the circulation of oxygen within the body. Moreover, supplements also provide athletes with an option that helps them avoid the temptations of using other performance-enhancing drugs that are banned in most competitive sporting activities. As such, supplements are critical for athletes, especially with respect to the possibility of enhancing performances.

     There is a significant difference between performance-enhancing drugs and dietary supplements. There is a complete ban on performance enhancing drugs in the sporting world. However, dietary supplements are allowed within the sporting world. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not place strict regulations on sports supplements. So, the manufacturers of these substances are not required to submit samples of their products to the FDA.  The only requirement for sport supplement manufacturers is to make a claim of the health benefits of the supplement, based on scientific evidence. However, the FDA does not go beyond that to scientifically verify these claims.  Because of this there may be inadequate regulation of sports supplements, and this places the athlete at the risk of consuming substances that may be harmful to them.

     The use of supplements has continued to be a controversial topic among the stakeholders in the supplement industry.  These controversies tend to keep the conversation going and ensure that we can develop policies and laws that regulate the production and use of sports supplements. There are concerns about the processes involved in the manufacture of some sports supplements. The manufacturing process plays a significant role in determining the final product. The manufacturing process involves the use of different ingredients and processes that are not entirely known or understood. 

     Another important area of concern over sports supplements is that of the quality of these supplements. The quality of the supplement is critical however, the FDA does not require any quality standards on supplements. The FDA only requires that the manufacturers make a claim about the health benefits of these supplements. The FDA does not require the manufacturer to provide clinical or scientific trial results that verify the claims. This means that the manufacturers have considerable leeway to provide inaccurate information about the supplements to get approval from the FDA.  It is also possible that the manufacturers could create the same substance, give it a different name, and different claims to ensure that they are seen as different supplements. 

     Based on these observations, there appears to be a need to develop programs, policies, and laws that effectively regulate the production and sale of sports supplements. There is a need for the stakeholders, especially the FDA, to change the approach to the management of the supplements in the market. Regulations should be developed to streamline the manufacturing process.  Just like in the manufacture of medicines, there seems to be a need to regulate the manufacture of sports supplements. These supplements, when ingested, have the capacity to alter the body’s function. Their effects are similar to medicines. The regulation of the manufacturing process would ensure that there is a standard quality for every type of supplement. It could ensure that the most appropriate ingredients and processes are used in their manufacture.

     Quality control measures should also be implemented to ensure that the supplements are not harmful.  The quality of the supplements is dependent on scientific validation of their effectiveness in achieving the objectives for which they are created. As such, the FDA should implement programs that would compel the manufacturers to provide scientific verification for the health claims made. This would mean that quality is central to the development and production of the sports supplements. As such, it could provide a regulatory framework established to eliminate the safety risks associated with sports supplements. This way, sports supplements will be able to achieve their fundamental objectives without creating any controversy.

References

Kapoor, A., & Sharfstein, J. M. (2016). Breaking the gridlock: Regulation of dietary supplements in the United States. Drug testing and analysis, 8(3-4), 424-430.   Maughan, R. J., Burke, L. M., Dvorak, J., Larson-Meyer, D. E., Peeling, P., Phillips, S. M., … & Meeusen, R. (2018). IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise  metabolism, 28(2), 104-125.

Higher health encompasses a holistic approach to your wellness. It means making the best choices for what you put inside and outside your body, and supporting your body to function at its best as much as possible.
We have a wealth of information around our health and well being but its how we put it into practice that truly makes the difference! Many of us are fully aware of what is determined healthy, and what is not. What blocks us from applying that awareness of health is simply our resistance to change. Change often creates a shadow of the unknown upon us, and when we are so comfortable with our habitual patterns it can be tricky to reset and embrace something new…tricky- yes, but not impossible!

Keeping an open mind about our health, and challenging ourselves to change builds confidence in who we are… and confidence is nourishment in itself, because the more confident we are as human beings, the more confident we are in the choices that we make to move forward.
Thinking of our health more holistically, there are many natural remedies and foods that offer benefits from the inside to out. And of course, whatever we place/rub/massage onto our skin is inevitably absorbed into our bloodstream so we should not skimp on our skincare products.
Here are some tips to help you toward higher health!

• Make small but significant changes toward your health. Set a goal to try a new food or a new product/supplement at least once per month. Break away from old habits step by step- make a commitment to your health.
• Choose quality over quantity. Some of the most powerful/potent foods and natural remedies do not need to be consumed or used in large quantities, or even on a daily basis. For instance, Omega 3 rich fish such as salmon/tuna/mackerel is best consumed twice per week.
• Look for products that are environmentally friendly. From the detergent, you use for your laundry to the soap that you use to cleanse your body. What’s better for the environment is also better for you!
• Search out companies and products that mirror your beliefs and values. All great companies have a vision, a mission. Do their values inspire you? Because they should!

Sometimes that is all we need to push forward with our health: something to believe in, and the inspiration that offers us.

Earlier this year we were introduced to some great, natural and organic products that were created by Schizandu Organics. Schizandu Organics have a higher purpose and mission to improve the health for many…

They seek to help 100 million people transition to a health-supporting lifestyle in an effortless way and to support the environment with the revenue so that we help the planet rejuvenate as well. A win, win, win scenario that serves humanity and the environment-forever.
Schizandu Organics would not be complete without supporting the environment, wildlife and the health of the Planet as a whole, along with making it easier for people to “clean up” their lives. Your purchase of each Schizandu product supports marine life rescue, ocean conservation, beach clean-up and the recovery of injured animals.

They believe in a holistic approach and have a range of naturally-inspired products for you, here’s more information on the company and what’s on offer!
Dita is the founder and CEO of Schizandu Organics. She is on a mission to bring truly natural and exceptional products to people to help them cleanse, detoxify and nourish from the inside out and the outside in.

“I developed an interest in studying health at the age of 11 and have been on a health journey myself for almost 30 years. With a background in science, engineering, and health-counseling, naturally, I look at the whole picture and I recommend that everyone works towards that instead of isolating problems, especially health issues.

While counseling, I realized how many clients struggled to find truly clean, organic, toxin-free products to replace personal care items, supplements, skin care products, etc. that were loaded with toxins and/or were simply inefficient and didn’t deliver what was promised by the companies behind them, leaving them disappointed, discouraged, and with a thinner wallet.

It became very clear quickly that I needed to create my own company and a completely pure product line because with products made available to millions of people I knew I could make a MUCH bigger difference compared to working with people one-on-one to help turn their health and life around” – Dita, Schizandu Organics

At Schizandu Organics, they believe health and well-being are to be addressed and supported both, from the inside-out and the outside-in. That is why they offer three types of products:

• Ones that are taken internally
• Ones that can be taken internally and applied externally
• Ones that are used on the skin, externally only.

Previously, we found out about Activated Charcoal, its benefits, and the products that Schizandu Organics created based upon Activated Charcoal’s powerful potential to rejuvenate and inspire better health.
Here, we move another step forward with Schizandu Organics well-being range, namely Omega 3 DHA and the Charcoal Detox Bar…something for the inner and the outer you.

Omega – 3 DHA

Omega – 3 DHA is The Most Potent, Purest Algae Oil (Omega-3, Vegan DHA Algal Extract), available in 50 ml)
It is a blend of Chromista Oil (water extracted Schizochytrium algae oil, natural tocopherol as an antioxidant), CO2-extracted Rosemary Oil. Unlike fish oil, this Omega – 3 DHA is free of PCBs, dioxins, and heavy metals. It is a concentrated, cruelty-free supplement, earth-friendly and sustainable!

This micro-algae oil is available in two flavors: Rosemary and Unflavored and has many benefits to your health and wellness:

• Beautifies the skin
• Supports brain health (mental focus, cognitive function, memory)
• Supports the eyes and vision health; helps prevent macular degeneration
• Supports heart health
• Supports fertility, pregnancy, and baby- and child-development
• Helps balance hormones
• Supports energy and longevity
• Protects and support nerve cells, neurons
• Helps balance Omega Fatty Acid ratios

Omega 3 DHA is free of chemicals, animal ingredients, GMOs, fish, soy, seed oils, wheat, gluten, corn, nuts, dairy, lactose, eggs, yeast, sugars, hexane, solvents, alcohols, fillers, flavors, additives, preservatives, coloring, fragrance, silicone, and BPA.
The Charcoal Detox Bar

For the outer you, try the Charcoal Detox Bar: Cleanse and Beautify your body with the best, this cleansing bar is aromatic and wholly natural:
It is made of Organic Oils, Herbs, and Activated Charcoal. It would be easy to mistake this cleansing bar for a dessert because of its incredible aroma- but please don’t! You cannot eat it, but you can definitely use it!

Here’s a peek at the ingredients:
Oils of Sunflower and/or safflower, Coconut, Sustainable Palm, Olive. Activated Charcoal. Essential Oils of Lemongrass, Patchouli, Rosemary, Lime, Sage, Bergamot. Rosemary Leaf Powder And Rosemary Extract.

Schizandu Organics are committed to bringing you the highest quality wildcrafted and organic products. With them, you can be confident that you are not only avoiding chemicals but also giving your body the nourishment it needs and wholly deserves. Schizandu Organics create Natural, Functional, Luxurious goodies for you!

Elderberry

Elderberry is a shrub that has been used medicinally for centuries. Sambucus nigra, or black elderberry bush, is the version most commonly used to make syrup and lozenges. Extracts of elderberry have antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Elderberry is also high in flavonoids. People take elderberry syrup as a remedy for colds, flus, and bacterial sinus infections. The plant medicine works by reducing swelling in mucus membranes. Some studies suggest elderberry extract reduces the duration of the flu. If it works for flu infections, it may help your immune system against coronavirus (COVID-19)infection.

Mushrooms

Wondering how to boost your immune system? Eat more button mushrooms. Mushrooms are high in selenium and B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin. These minerals and vitamins are necessary for the immune system to work in tip top form.

Mushrooms are also high in polysaccharides, sugar-like molecules that boost immune function.

Acai Berry

Acai berry is a black-purple fruit that is derived from the acai palm tree in Brazil, Trinidad, and certain parts of South America. The fruit is high in anthocyanins. These flavonoid molecules are very potent antioxidants.

They combat oxidative stress in the body by mopping up free radicals. Antioxidants are credited with boosting immunity and lowering inflammation in the body. There’s never been a better time to enjoy an acai bowl!