Muscle supplements, known as ergogenic dietary supplements, are designed to enhance development of muscle and improve sport-specific performance. However, many of the claims made by dietary supplement manufactures are not scientifically confirmed. Various studies and investigations have also uncovered that some manufactures are distributing products tainted with banned substances; while some products are being distributed with less content than what is labeled. Poor business practices and inadequate industry regulations aside; most of the negative effects of muscle supplements come from unsubstantiated claims and misuse.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids enhance protein and muscle synthesis and do have proven ergogenic potential. However, the negative effects out weigh the benefits. These include hirsutism, menstrual irregularities, aggressions, decreased spermatozoa, increased cardiovascular risk and liver dysfunction. Anabolic steroids are banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB).
Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is a rich mixture of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It is claimed to improve endurance while reducing free-radical damage. There is insufficient scientific evidence to validate these claims or prove ergogenic potential. The negative effects include severe allergic reaction in those allergic to specific pollens.
Caffeine
Caffeine enhances fat metabolism and has ergogenic potential for events lasting longer than 30 minutes. The negative effects include dependency, withdrawal and mild diuretic. The IOC, FIFA and NCAA have set limits on maximum urine concentration of caffeine allowed.
Creatine
Creatine improves energy availability during anaerobic exercise during short, repetitive, non-isometric events. Studies to verify the claims of enhanced protein and muscle synthesis are inconclusive. The negative effects include weight gain due to water retention, increased cramping of the lower extremity, and muscle dysfunction.
Ephedrine
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine trigger brain arousal that stimulates weight loss and may enhance anaerobic activity. The negative effects include hypertension, tachycardia and stroke. Ephedrine is banned by the IOC, NCAA and NFL.
Steroid Precursors
Androstenedione and dehydro-epiandrosterone (DHEA) are steroid precursors which can create a positive drug test for testosterone, although they have no proven ergogenic potential. The negative effects include decrease in good cholesterol, increased estrogen and virilism. Both are banned by the IOC, FIFA, NCAA, NFL and NBA.
References
- Sports Med; Popular Sports Supplements and Ergogenic Aids; Mark Juhn D.O.; 2003
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