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Buyer Beware: Supplements
Written by Calvin Sun, Crossfit Invictus
I’ve had an influx of questions regarding supplements as of late. It seems many are being lured by promises of improved body composition, increased strength gains, better endurance, shorter recovery times, and the idea that taking supplements instantly makes you a healthier, happier person. The fitness industry is no stranger to dietary supplements. In fact, the multibillion-dollar supplement industry probably wouldn’t exist without legions of exercisers and enthusiasts who need an “edge”.
Many people don’t realize that the supplement industry is unregulated by the FDA. Some assume that because the product is on the shelf of their local health food store it automatically means it has been proven to be safe and effective. In 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) was passed by Congress. Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah spearheaded the legislation, largely due to the fact that Utah alone accounts for nearly a quarter of the supplements manufactured in the United States (supplements are a $23.7 billion industry). The bill created a new category known as “dietary supplements”, meaning these products were no longer classified as food or drugs thus circumventing the scrutiny of the FDA.
This lack of regulation has proven to be hazardous on many occasions. Ephedra was marketed as a weight-loss supplement but risks included heart attack, stroke, or death. Eventually, the FDA banned ephedra in 2004. In 2009, there was a recall of Hydroxycut after it caused liver failure and death in several people. Thanks to the DSHEA, supplement manufacturers aren’t required to prove their products are safe or effective before they are available to consumers. In fact, the FDA cannot monitor supplements until after a safety problem has been reported to them.
Supplement manufacturers are able to use terms like “Proprietary Blend” on their labeling to prevent you from knowing exactly how much of each ingredient is in their product. Many cheaper products contain a large amount of fillers and a small amount of the advertised ingredients. Many products, while safe, are also a complete waste of your money. This is not to say that there are not any good supplements on the market. Just realize that if an advertisement sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
